BID Funding Restored

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.”