Douglass Township adopts budget amendments, transfers ARPA funds and approves $320,827.65 in unpaid bills; supervisor abstains on firefighter reimbursement

Treasurer Cynthia O'Donnell presented the township's unpaid bills as of Aug. 19, 2024 totaling $320,827.65, which include volunteer firefighter tax reimbursements. After explaining unusual items, the board voted to authorize payment. Supervisor Don Bergstresser abstained from the vote because he is a volunteer firefighter eligible for the reimbursement; the abstention was documented in a Conflict of Interest Abstention Memorandum referencing Pennsylvania's Public Official and Employee Ethics Law.

O'Donnell also presented Budget Amendment #3, which adjusted General Fund income and expense lines by $20,163.95 and Budget Amendment #4, which reduced the police staffing line by $200,124.14 because of later‑in‑year hiring. With these amendments the general fund deficit was reduced from $442,469.04 to $200,124.14, as presented to the board.

The board approved an ARPA fund amendment transferring funds from the General Fund to ARPA. The agenda lists the ARPA amount as $352,642.63 in one place and the motion approved at the meeting lists $352,612.63; the board approved the transfer as moved. The ARPA funds must be spent or obligated by December per the presentation.

All motions on the budget and bills were approved by the sitting board members present (Bergstresser abstained on the unpaid bills payment because of his volunteer firefighter status). The conflict memorandum from Supervisor Bergstresser was filed with the board secretary and included the reason for his abstention.