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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, September 05, 2018

Bethlehem Tp Plans Saturday Fireworks, With Friday Rain Date?

Bethlehem Township has received a clean bill of financial health. At their September 4 meeting, Commissioners received a report from Allentown accounting firm Campbell, Rappold and Yurasits, which serves as the Township's independent auditor. Melissa Grube, a CPA with that form, presented a positive outlook for the year ending 2017. There were no material weaknesses or problems with internal controls.

According to the report, the Township finished 2017 with a fund balance of $6.9 million, and $2.3 million was unassigned. Unassigned money is available to be spent for emergencies or unforeseen projects. The Township received $2.5 million more than was budgeted. This is the result of grant reimbursements and state pension aid.

Unfortunately, the Township spent about $1 million more than was expected, due to unforeseen expenses in Public Works and with public safety personnel.

Long-term debt is $13.4 million.

After receiving this positive financial report, Commissioners adopted a policy to allow 20 young girls to practice soccer, twice a week, at a pocket park located at Anthony Court.

They also adopted a resolution honoring Frank Petho in his 100th birthday. President Mike Hudak said that Petho worked for 40 years at Bethlehem steel as a crane operator. He is also a founding member of the Freemansburg - Bethlehem Township Little League, and helped build the baseball diamonds.

As a final matter, Manager Doug Bruce reminded everyone that the Township will be celebrating its first ever community days this weekend, from Friday to Sunday, at the Township park. Fireworks are planned for Saturday night. If it rains on Saturday, Bruce announced Friday is the raindate.

Bruce has apparently mastered time travel.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it sums up how Bethlehem Twp. has always operated.

Anonymous said...

To be fair, Doug was not directly involved in the planning for this potential fiasco. The commitments were made prior to his appointment as manager. From what I hear, this was a pipe dream from the former manager, and a former commissioner. The current regime got stuck with it. Friday might suffer from the competition of HS football, and Sundays aren't a big draw for carnivals. Think I'll jump in my DeLorean and check out Saturday's weather.

Anonymous said...

If you drive through Bethlehem Township you can tell they are sure a day late on their planning. The place is a mess. On the rainy days you can go swimming in all the runoff from the overdeveloped areas.

Anonymous said...

Doug has been Peter Principled since his days as Don’s loyal sidekick.
He’s since pick up his expertise in the field of how-not-manage storm water and runoff in a municiple setting.
No one anywhere doesn’t do it worse than Doug and his team.
Look for new and speculate examples of ineptitude comming soon.

Anonymous said...

Unforseen expenses in public works??? Like what?

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Doug has been Peter Principled since his days as Don’s loyal sidekick."

Your hatred of Don Cunningham leads to your disdain for Doug. Thanks for making that clear.

Anonymous said...

Any craft breweries? Food trucks other than carnival fried food? Please don't tell me geakers Taco's will be there, their tacos suck.

Anonymous said...

Only in government, can you have an event like this and without a doubt, cost the taxpayers, thousands of dollars and not be held accountable? Same township that has it's own fitness center running at a loss and at the cost of the local taxpayer? More "unforeseen expenses"? Any volunteerism or all paid positions (overtime for public works staffers)?

Anonymous said...

No mention of the event on their facebook or their own website? Totally clueless...

Anonymous said...

@11:10,
There will be no alcohol at this event. All food vendors will have to be licensed by the Commonwealth. Most of the food vendors follow the schedule of the amusement provider, so fried something on a stick will be the general fare.

Anonymous said...

@12:08,
There was mention on the community center's facebook. They listed each day separately.

Anonymous said...

@11:55,
You cannot force paid employees to volunteer. And, yes, this will cost thousands. There is a small recoup from the ride vendor, but nothing close to breaking even.

Peter J.Cochran said...

Bernie, speaking of fireworks , I want to go on record for the sake of our threatened DA. I have a right leaning idea in my criminal mind this character is getting closer to a target. I can’t understand why he is not caught yet,there are smarter guys than me out there looking for him He apparently obtained a shotgun ,not just any shotgun but a great firearm in a beak in as reported in our local news . So if I was him ,I’d migrate here and hang around count house shortly ,no this is getting into this character s mind set that has been a talent of my economy ..He s been out there a long time ,he’s out of steam and he’s now a disparate ,destitute and a drawed man with an increasingly mental issue.and no friends or support ! So .... I tell you here he was 43 miles from last break in and I feel he’s going to show up around court house. So please work your magic.

Anonymous said...

$5.00 parking fee?

Anonymous said...

@12:49
Go to an Eagles game. It's $40 to park.

Anonymous said...

New Jersey transplants don't do carnivals, no beer and shit food.