Bethlehem Tp Cuts Tax Hike in Half

Bethlehem Township's Board of Commissioners meets twice monthly

What was originally proposed as a 37.6% tax hike in Bethlehem Township has been cut in half. At their November 16 meeting, Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to adopt a $16.9 million spending plan for next year, with Michael Hudak casting the sole No vote. Taxes will still increase 1.01 mills (18.4%) to a 7.09 millage rate, about half the increase originally expected  According to Finance Director Andrew Freda, a home assessed at $100,000 could expect to see a $709 tax bill next year instead of the current $599.

This Budget is the culmination of four very crowded budget hearings that had to be moved to Town Hall because the conference room was too small. It may also have cost Republican Commissioners Marty Zawarski and Phil Barnard their jobs. They were defeated in the November 3 election by Democrats Malissa Davis and Kim Jenkins, who had unlikely allies in tea party conservatives.

The Budget adopted for approval decreases the fund balance by $500,000, and Freda warned before the meeting that a second hike might be necessary next year.

During budget hearings, Commissioners slashed $336,000 in spending, mostly by putting off the purchase of a $160,000 radial-arm mower and leaving unfilled a wage permit tech position. They also voted to slash the annual $40,000 allotment to The Bethlehem Township Athletic Association, more commonly known as the Bulldogs, in half. This is because the Bulldogs had built up savings of $113,000 from fundraising and donations.

A nonprofit organization, the Bulldogs consist entirely of volunteers and have had a contractual relationship with the Township that goes back to 1969. The sports group offers recreational cheerleading, football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, softball, and lacrosse to all Township residents. Under the terms of its contract, it must maintain liability insurance, and the Township has agreed to subsidize the organization. Over 1,500 children participate in one or more of these sports. Bulldogs did receive an annual subsidy of $60,000, which was reduced to $40,000 during the Great Recession.

The Bulldogs provide organized sports for 1,500 children a year. 

According to Bulldogs president Frank Grillo, "[T]he commissioners and the township manager asked our organization to do extra fundraising or saving to show good faith and put some money toward the restrooms." Those are projected to cost somewhere around $350,000, although they also include an equipment storage room. "Now that our organization did what the township asked, the BTAA is going to be penalized," Grillo complained.

Grillo and Mike Beck, another Bulldog, asked Commissioners to restore the $40,000 in funding. Noting that the Bulldogs "get blamed for a lot of things," he asked "where taking $20,000 away from the kids is going to get us."

Michael Hudak stated the cut is the result of an "outcry from the public," and that he found it "personally offensive" that Grillo would bring up kids in what is, after all, a youth sports program.'Take $20,000 out of savings and spend it on the kids," he told Grillo. "I would hope we don't back out on this," Hudak told fellow Commissioners. The public spoke at the election as well."

But that's exactly what happened. Commissioner Tom Nolan proposed restoring the $20,000 taken away from the Bulldogs, and with only Hudak voting No, this budget amendment was adopted.

Then the budget itself was approved for advertising by the same 4 to 1 vote.

Hudak, on both his Facebook page and at the meeting, derided the "lame ducks" who voted to restore funding. "We need to stand up for our decisions and have a spine."

Kim Jenkins, who is replacing "lame duck" Phil Barnard next year, is a member of the Bulldogs Board.

As the meeting ended, Pat Breslin stated he talked to several hundred people during the budget process and has several legal ads full of notes. He'd like to form what he calls a citizen's self audit committee to review the budget throughout the year.

"Obviously, we have a spending problem," he said.

In Split Vote, Bulldogs Recognized as "Official" Township Sports Group

By a 3-2 vote, Bethlehem Township Commissioners recognized the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association, known as the Bulldogs, as an "official" township youth sports group at their June 1 meeting. What this means is anyone's guess, but it rankled Bulldog critics like Commissioner Michael Hudak and Rec Board member Barry Roth. Both have complained often about favoritism they believe is shown to this group.

Just two weeks ago, Hudak spearheaded a discussion on establishing a formal policy concerning field use by the Bulldogs. That proposal was supported unanimously.

Prior to that, Hudak has argued that the Bulldogs should "pay to play." He has noted that the group gets $40,000 every year from the Township, which also spends $30,000 per year to mow the grass. In addition, $20,140 in field rental fees are provided at no charge. As a matter of fairness, Hudak has argued that it's time that the Bulldogs start paying for field use.

Resident Barry Roth, who serves on the Township's Recreation Board, has also complained at several meetings about the Bulldogs. He has seen the Township provide an office for Bulldog records and spend $280,000 for athletic fields that were intended to be a band shell. He also complains that the Township spent $300,000 for lights that are sometimes left on until 6 am.

Both Hudak and Roth have complained bitterly about a bathroom planned for the athletic fields. It may cost as much as $350,000, though Commissioners unanimously agreed to seek a $250,000 grant in a resolution adopted earlier that evening.

First formed in 1968, the Bulldogs are a nonprofit organization made up entirely of volunteers who offer recreational cheerleading, football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, softball, and Lacrosse. The $40,000 received annually from the Township is actually $15,000 less than was provided before the Great Recession. It is considered a feeder program for Freedom High School.

Proposing a resolution recognizing the Bulldogs as an official Township-sanctioned sports group was Tom Nolan, a steadfast advocate. At courtesy of the floor, Barry Roth asked for permission to discuss it when it came up, which President Marty Zawarski denied.

"How can I discuss the resolution without knowing what it says?" asked Roth, with no reply from Zawarski.

Nolan argued that, given what the Bulldogs do for the community, "I thought it's time that the Board recognizes the organization formally."

Hudak countered that if the Board recognizes the Bulldogs, it should also recognize the Freemansburg Bethlehem Township Athletic Association, known as the Blue Barons. That group only offers one sport - baseball. It also receives an annual contribution from the township. Hudak argued that the Blue Barons be recognized, too, and "not just the select group or special few."

Nolan stated he was perfectly willing to recognize the Blue Barons in a separate resolution. "Certain members of this Board are trying to contaminate this issue," he warned, adding that there are no legal issues.

Both Marty Zawarski and Phil Barnard sided with Nolan. Barnard noted that people visiting the township already identify the Bulldogs with the Township, and the relationship should be recognized.

Pat Breslin sided with Hudak. While claiming to be a big proponent of youth sports who just gave a speech to one group near Philly, Breslin reasoned that "we should focus on issues that matter.

Right after the vote, Barry Roth complained from the back of the room about being denied the right to speak about it himself. "Any other resolution we have a chance to discuss," he exploded, and stormed out of the meeting.

"He's absolutely right," muttered Hudak to Breslin.

Before voting, Zawarski mentioned that he was once an umpire for the Blue Barons, but quit because mothers kept throwing things at him for making bad calls. He must have had a few flashbacks.