Finance committee: 2025 budget shows $700,000 deficit but no tax increase planned; manager proposes $5 quarterly sewer increase

The township's Finance Committee reported Oct. 24 that the draft 2025 budget is nearly finalized and currently shows about a $700,000 operating shortfall, but committee members said available reserves — roughly $4 million in unreserved funds — reduce the need for a tax increase.

Commissioner Robert Mohollen, speaking for the Finance Committee, said the committee takes a conservative budgeting approach, pointed to historical patterns in which budgeted deficits were offset by year-end surpluses, and said the sale timing of a vacant lot at High Street and Pleasantview Road remains uncertain and was not included in the 2025 figures. Mohollen said the committee intends to present a full budget at the next meeting.

Manager Edward C. Wagner said the township's Sewer Budget was completed Oct. 21 and that he is requesting a proposed rate increase of $5 per quarter to address an $80,000 deficit driven by higher charges from Pottstown Borough. Wagner characterized the request as a step to fill the identified gap; the board did not take a formal vote on the sewer rate at the Oct. 24 meeting.

Wagner and Commissioners Michele Hogrelius and Stephanie McGee (staff recognized for budget work) were credited for producing new approaches that will be included in the full budget presentation. The Finance Committee emphasized conservative fiscal management and plans to submit the complete 2025 budget at the board's next regular meeting.