Collegeville Holds the Line on Taxes

The town’s holiday celebrations went off without a hitch on Saturday afternoon and evening, getting everyone in the borough into the spirit with a bang! Collegeville Economic Development Corporation leader Linda Flederbach called the event a “great success,” with huge thanks to every member of the Collegeville community.

The first Jingle Jog attracted 185 runners, 171 finishing strong with a fastest time of the pack at 17:59. The tree lighting that followed in the newly dedicated parking lot at Third and Main was lovely, as was the evening of ice carving, ugly sweaters and more!

If you missed out this year, fear not! The Jingle Jog and all the other wonderful holiday festivities will be back next year.

Unfortunately, however, the community will not see its return under the guidance of Flederbach. The fearless CEDC figurehead will be stepping down at the end of the year and dedicating herself as a full-time small business owner. A search committee has been formed to fill Flederbach’s “big shoes,” but the community will absolutely miss her.

“It’s been a real pleasure to work in this community,” Flederbach said.

Though her work brought a great deal of joy to Collegeville, the council’s agenda was not all fluff and jingle bells. Montgomery County is facing large budget cuts in the latest proposition, hitting hard on parks, planning committees and libraries. “I’m not sure how serious it is,” Borough Manager Geoff Thompson told council and community members in attendance.

Though the county may be in a state of crisis, Collegeville is reporting numbers slightly more encouraging. A final budget was passed at the meeting; its major revenue source being real estate taxes and biggest expense the in the community. Total expenditures fall in around $2.677 million and revenues just above at $2.704, leaving a tight excess of $27,536 for council and the community.

While these all may be just numbers, every community member will be glad to hear taxes are not being raised for next year’s budget and they will remain at 40 cents on $100.

After the business was addressed, focus was back to the community for our hard-working council members. The will be hosting another blood drive with the borough on Dec. 30, 1 – 7 p.m. at the company's banquet hall. Thompson reported the Red Cross came to the borough council and worried for the “dangerously low” blood supplies, so everyone in the community is encouraged to participate.

Looking to the future, the Memorial Day parade is already being planned! The park on Third was measured for float purposes and the plans are in motion so, if this holiday season isn’t quite enough to stimulate the excitement, there’s plenty more to come in the future!