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BID Funding Restored

West Chester Borough Council will fully fund the Business Improvement District in 2013.

 

The West Chester Borough Finance Committee took action on Tuesday that would restore funding to the borough’s Business Improvement District after funds were originally slashed last month to balance the 2013 budget.

The BID receives $85,000 annually from the borough to promote business growth in the town center.  Last month, borough council voted on a 2013 budget that would have reduced that funding to $40,000.

“Our parking garage revenue is performing better than we expected,” said finance committee chair John Manion.  “Therefore, funding can be restored to the BID.”

According to Manion, even with the restored BID funding, the borough will still balance the budget without raising taxes.

“A huge thanks goes out to our borough employees,” Manion said.  “Their accommodations, particularly when it comes to health care, allowed us to have a balanced budget while retaining all of our employees.”

Former borough council member and BID officer Ray Ott thanked the council for their work in restoring funding.

“Thanks for working with us on this,” Ott said.  “We have the number one BID program in the state according to a study by Shippensburg University.  This funding will help us maintain that level of service.”

Related Topics: Business Improvement District, Downtown West Chester, and Finance Committee

nona

10:11 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Question: The "Finance Committee took action that would restore funding..." Doesn't it have to go before full council to vote yea or nay? What is the behind the scenes negotiation going on here? BID has done a nice job in the past, but I think West Chester is surviving mightily, and a cut in funding to BID isn't going to make or break this burg at this point. Wouldn't it be loverly to have a surplus in the town coffer? I would like a little more info on this matter and process. Thanks.

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Jake Speicher

4:54 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Yes it has to go to a full vote when the budget is voted on next week. I should have put that in the story, but barring any other circumstances BID funding should be restored.

charlie

10:50 am on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Nona, shut up...

And yes Jake, you can delete this post if you so feel inclined.

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nona

12:55 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

How nice, Charlie. What is your role on BID?
If you want me silenced, I would like to know what your issue is.
Try to be more eloquent than the above. Thank you.

Will

12:05 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Why are Borough employees expected to make sacrifices but the BID is fully funded? How about a little shared sacrifice here? Better yet, let's put the excess to use fixing streets.

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Milton Bradley

12:17 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Manion has stated in the past that all must equally share the burden of financial budgetary sacrifice. All but BID, evidently. That we annually have about $100,000 grand to spend on BID but the need for cop shop and public works department renovations continue to be unanswered is odd. The $85,000 will come back to haunt council. One step forward and two steps back.

Concerned Citizen

5:30 pm on Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Malcolm gets his full salary for the year yet again! Cronyism at its finest.

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