On behalf of the Board of Supervisors of Montgomery Township, I am pleased to present the 2008 Annual Report entitled "Fiscal Responsibility Drives Results," providing some of the highlights and significant accomplishments from the past year. 2008 was a busy and productive year in the Township. Working closely with a dedicated group of volunteers, our Township staff provided residents and visitors with exceptional services and facilities- all while practicing fiscal responsibility.
Improved transportation was at the forefront of Township activities during 2008. Years of patient hard work and planning paid off in November with the groundbreaking of the 202 Parkway Project. This project represents the first stage of a $350 million investment by the State Government in much needed local transportation improvements. This project would not have been possible without the proactive efforts of Montgomery Township and Montgomery County to acquire needed land for the right-of-way, funding design and engineering work, while ensuring that this project was "shovel ready" when State funds became available.
These investments have been designed to ease traffic congestion throughout our community which is vital not only for the long-term sustainability of the region but also to improve quality of life within the Township. As each major artery in Montgomery Township is improved over the next several years, you may experience temporary delays. During this time, we ask for your patience and cooperation. I encourage everyone to visit the PennDOT website, www.us202.com, to take a virtual tour of the improvements. I assure you it will be worth the near-term inconvenience!
Efforts to keep our Township residents and businesses safe continued in 2008 with the re-opening of the upgraded Fire Station on Stump Road. This Station provides state-of-the-art facilities, including equipment staging and training and administrative areas for our combination fire department, so as to better serve the fire safety needs of the Township. Cooperation from volunteers and the business community was evident during the planning and construction phases of the project with local businesses providing support and assistance as well as donations of equipment and land. These contributions have enhanced the operational capabilities of the fire department.
Our Police Department, second to none in the region, celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2008. A comprehensive history of the Department is included in this report. We encourage our residents and business owners to get an inside look at the Police Department's functions, capabilities and operational procedures by participating in the various community outreach programs offered by the Department such as the Citizens' Police Academy, Junior Police Academy and National Night Out. These programs provide a unique opportunity for open and frank communication between the department and the community.
The ability to participate in recreational activities and enjoy our local parks was also enhanced in 2008. The Parks and Recreation staff was increased to two full-time positions. This allowed the Township to expand the Kids' University program, which doubled its enrollment in 2008, as well as provide a diverse schedule of programs to meet the recreational needs of all of our residents. In addition, the Township continues its efforts to preserve open space by evaluating several sites for possible acquisition and setting aside an additional $700,000 from its 2008 operating surplus to the Open Space Reserve Fund.
While 2008 was another strong year for the Township, indications are that 2009 will present a new set of challenges for local governments including Montgomery Township. The effects of the financial crisis sweeping the nation cannot be predicted with any real accuracy. Thankfully, the Township has a long history of operating on a fiscally conservative basis and benefits from a diversified tax base. In addition, prudent management has allowed for the accumulation of reserves which will help buffer the Township against such a crisis. However, since the depth and duration of the economic downturn could result in a dampening of revenues across multiple sources, it is essential that we continue to act in a fiscally responsible manner.
All of the Township's accomplishments, past, present and future, wouldn't be possible without the dedication and hard work of the many resident and business volunteers that serve on the various Boards, Commissions and Committees, and the efforts of our dedicated and hard working employees.
As we move forward into 2009, we thank you for your continued support and for your efforts to make Montgomery Township the great place it is to live, work and play.
Michael J. Fox
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors
Montgomery Township
1001 Stump Road
Montgomeryville, PA18936-9605
2001-2009, Montgomery Township. All rights reserved
