MOVING ROSS FORWARD IN 2017 … AND BEYOND! A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROSS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, JEREMY SHAFFER
our road paving budget by nearly 50 % to $ 2 Million. We continue to implement a computerized management system to help guide the process and obtain the maximum results. Additionally, we are expanding our preventative treatments to keep our good roads in better condition for longer.
The Township also invests several million dollars a year in inspecting, repairing, and maintaining our sanitary sewers and storm water system. This critical infrastructure below ground is frequently forgotten. However, it is often subject to some of the most rigorous Federal and State requirements. oss Township
ROSS TOWNSHIP NEWS
Jeremy Shaffer, Ph. D. President, Ross Board of Commissioners( Ward 8)
It is a privilege to serve the residents of Ross as we strive to advance our community forward for all our residents, businesses, and visitors. Your Township Commissioners have had an extremely productive 2016 and already off to a strong start in 2017 as we work hard to make Ross an even better place.
Taxes Held Steady for 2017 Ross has once again held our taxes steady. For 2017, our property tax remains at 2.7 mils, and the Township’ s portion of the local earned income tax remains at 0.5 %. The Commissioners face a challenging endeavor every year as we seek to optimize our services. This is no easy task as we continue to receive a growing list of mandates passed down from Federal and State entities. It should also be noted that in 2016 the Commissioners were able to eliminate a small, but highly counterproductive, amusement tax that discouraged and penalized a variety of business that we would like to maintain in and attract to Ross.
Paving Budget Increased by Nearly 50 % Maintaining our Township infrastructure is one of the most important and expensive tasks that the Commissioners handle. Ross Township has a backlog of roads in need of repaving and repair. The Board has been working for the past few years to develop a long-range plan to address this need. For 2017, we have increased
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More Park Improvements Planned Ross maintains a wide array of parks throughout the Township. These facilities are actively used by individuals and sports organizations. The Township is continuing a multi-year process of rejuvenating and enhancing many of these facilities. We continue to invest an extra $ 50,000 a year toward field improvements while also replacing older equipment. Some of the final stages of Evergreen Park improvements should be completed this year with a new playground installed.
PennDOT Grants for Transportation and Pedestrian Improvements Most of the major roadways in Ross are owned by PennDOT or Allegheny County. Several of these intersections are particular trouble spots – I am sure we could all name several of our‘ favorites’. It has been frustrating that their needs have not been addressed for decades. To help finally move improvements forward the Township is aggressively seeking and applying for grants of our own initiative. In 2016, we were awarded a major grant for part of the Siebert / McKnight intersection. At the end of 2016, the Township applied for two new grants: adding a turn lane and pedestrian improvements to part of the Sewickley-Oakmont / Perry Highway intersection and also a Phase 2 for Siebert / McKnight. We await word on the status of these, but will continue to aggressively pursue all available funding sources.
Once again, please do not hesitate to contact me or another Commissioner if you have concerns, questions, or suggestions. We are here to serve you. It is my hope that we as a community can work together to make Ross an even better place for all our residents!
Best regards, Jeremy Shaffer, Ph. D. President, Ross Board of Commissioners( Ward 8) Email: commward8 @ ross. pa. us Phone: 412-837-9003