At the Lower Frederick Board of Supervisors General Meeting on November 6, the board authorized advertisement of the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget. The board intends to adopt the budget at its December 3 meeting.

            General Fund revenue is projected to be $2,495,138 while expenses are projected to be $2,723,319, leaving a projected deficit of $228,181 in 2025. The cash balance in the general fund on Dec. 31, 2025, is projected to be $1,903,209. The general fund budget is projected to be bankrupt by the end of 2028.

            Sewer fund revenue is projected to be $1,241,166 while expenses are projected to be $1,342,821, leaving a projected deficit of $101,655 in 2025. The cash balance in the sewer fund on Dec. 31, 2025, is projected to be $583,139. The sewer fund budget is projected to be bankrupt at the end of 2029. To reduce the sewer deficit, the board is considering an increase in sewer rates, currently $200/quarter, to $220/quarter. This rate increase would push the bankruptcy date out to 2032.

            Liquid Fuels Fund revenue is projected to be $176,308 while expenses are projected to be $200,000, leaving a projected deficit of $69,347 in 2025. The cash balance in the Liquid Fuels Fund on Dec. 31, 2025, is projected to be $414,114.

            Open Space Fund revenue is projected to be $114,326 while expenses are projected to be $142,143, leaving a projected deficit of $27,817 in 2025. The cash balance in the Open Space fund on Dec. 31, 2025, is projected to be $276,008.

            American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund revenue is projected to be $0 while two projects are projected to cost $115,933. The cash balance in the ARPA fund on Dec. 31, 2025, is projected to be $0.

            "We're still going to be completely broke by the end of 2028 with these trends." said Board Chair Marla Hexter.

            "In 2028, there is a large seven-digit number for something that has nothing to do with us right now. This township is not going to go bankrupt for a building. Yes, it's been running at a deficit. We do have general funds. In 10 years, 12 years, if we don't do anything, completely agree, but let's not play this 'in five years, there's doom,'" said Supervisor Terry Bird.

            The complete budget presentation is available for public review at the township building and on the township's website.

            The board approved a request from developer Bruce Sambrick to waive the requirement for the maintenance escrow of $7,406.90, as the project is deemed complete, and further refund the remaining balance as the final escrow release for the Sambrick Subdivision.

            The board authorized the release of an escrow of $150,356.90 for the Lock Tight Storage Land Development. This leaves an account balance of $177,034.20, 15% of the original construction escrow.

            The board authorized the repair of the sewer plant's emergency backup pump for $24,594.04.

            In October, the Lower Frederick Police Department received 371 service calls and conducted 34 traffic stops, 18 of which resulted in citations. Responding to multiple speeding complaints, the department conducted 42 separate traffic speeding enforcement details throughout the township. The department has received multiple reports of vehicle break-ins, vandalism and suspicious activity and has posted a community notice on the township's Facebook page reminding residents to leave a light on, remove valuables and keep their vehicles locked.

            The department is conducting several criminal investigations and has made an arrest in a case involving a vehicle theft from Sacks and Sons. Police Chief Brian Cass acknowledged Detective Dave Milligan and Officer Karissa Lauer for their hard work in solving that case.

            Officers attended various training events including the Emergency Disaster Incident Training Symposium (EDITS), the FBI Executive Leadership Institute, interview and interrogation, search and seizure, officer resiliency, and the Community Anti-Threat Officer (CATO) program. 

            On Halloween evening, officers were out in force distributing bags, candy, activity books and glow-in-the-dark bracelets to trick-or-treaters. "We try to be out, be social, be public, be approachable, and try to change that culture," said Chief Cass.

            The Lower Frederick Fire Department responded to 29 calls in October.

            In September and October, Plymouth Community Ambulance Association (PCAA) responded to 41 calls in Lower Frederick, 154 calls in their primary coverage area, and 78 calls for mutual aid. PCAA is holding its 15th annual Operation Christmas Kids Toy Run. Local businesses wishing to be a drop-off location or donate are requested to contact PCAA at toyrun24@medic308.org.

            Aileen Johnson, Branch Manager of the Perkiomen Valley Library, informed the board that the library has received a local share account (LSA) grant for $999,759 to be used for new construction at the library including the installation of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant powered doors and converting the basement kitchen area into a conference room and storage area.