Hempfield approves $2.2 million capital budget

Hempfield supervisors are moving forward with a $2.2 million preliminary capital projects budget.

Supervisors last week unanimously approved the budget, which covers items such as truck purchases, park repairs and a new software code and permitting platform. Supervisor Tom Logan was not present at the meeting.

“They approved the capital budget knowing we will come back for each item to approve a funding source at a later time,” said township Manager Jason Winters, noting that funding sources include dipping from the reserves fund, using Act 13 money or taking out a low-interest loan.

Of the $2.2 million budget, about $1.2 million will come from those sources. About $965,000 will come from grants and revenue from the new Live! Casino, which is expected to generate $1.7 million in tax dollars each year for the township. The facility opened last week at Westmoreland Mall.

Approval of the capital budget came almost a month after township leaders approved the $13.4 million preliminary budget that does not raise taxes for the 31st consecutive year. At the time, supervisors tabled a vote on the capital budget.

Township revenue has taken a hit since the coronavirus pandemic spread across the region this spring. Winters last week said revenues for 2020 are about $750,000 below where they were at this time last year. In June, township officials discussed the possibility of that number reaching $1.4 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021.

Shortfalls have come in the form of fewer payments from building permits, recreation fees and earned income, real estate and per capita taxes. To soften the below, township leaders implemented a spending freeze in April and limited 2021 purchases to essential items.