A LOOK BACK AT 2017 WITH A VIEW TOWARD THE FUTURE
A LOOK BACK AT 2017 WITH A VIEW TOWARD THE FUTURE
A Message from the President of the Ross Board of Commissioners , Jeremy Shaffer
2017 proved to be another very productive year for your Ross Township government . I am proud of the many accomplishments that we were able to achieve as we sought to efficiently and effectively serve over 31,000 residents . While we must remain alert and responsive to ever changing economic and societal trends , we are well positioned to make Ross a better place to live , work , and play in 2018 and beyond . oss Township
ROSS TOWNSHIP NEWS
Strong Financial Management
Over the past several years the Board of Commissioners has continued to hold the line on taxes through prudent financial management . We were even able to eliminate the amusement tax which hindered us attracting and keeping businesses . The Board has worked hard not only to address present needs but also to avoid future problems . Our pension funds are fully funded , and we now have a generous “ 401 ( k ) style ” defined contribution plan that covers many of our new hires – creating a win-win situation for the Township and the employees . Our financial efforts have not gone unnoticed , and Ross Township has a higher bond rating than either Allegheny County or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania !
Investing in Our Infrastructure The Board continues to make major investments in our infrastructure to improve our roads , parks , sewers , and storm water pipes as part of an on-going , long-term process . In 2017 we spent nearly $ 2M dollars on our road paving efforts , a significant increase over the past , to begin catching up on a backlog of needs . The Township is also starting to reap the benefits of having a new state of the art facility for Public Works and the latest technology for those performing and coordinating many of our infrastructure improvements . Major park renovations have also continued as we rejuvenate our recreational facilities – including a new fishing pier and playground equipment at Evergreen Park .
Working to Maintain and Strengthen our Neighborhoods and Retail Corridors
The Commissioners have continued to be deeply engaged in working to improve our major retail corridor – McKnight Road . We are beginning to see tangible fruits of positive redevelopment with the new Block at and many smaller developments including Chick-fil-A and First National Bank . However , it is our residential neighborhoods that truly form the core of who we are in Ross . As such , we are constantly working on ways to retain and improve the quality of all our distinctive communities .
Better Government – Always Reforming The Board continues to implement a number of policies and approaches throughout 2017 to help improve our openness
48 Ross Township
Jeremy Shaffer , Ph . D . President , Ross Board of Commissioners ( Ward 8 )
and transparency . From holding our first Town Hall to planning for a new website with more information to an enhanced social media presence , we seek to better inform and engage our residents . We have even looked at our own government structure to determine if there might be better ways to organize the Commissioners .
Your Commissioners are here to serve you !
Ross Township ’ s greatest asset is our residents . Please remember your Commissioners are here to serve you . As always , please do not hesitate to contact me or another Commissioner if you have concerns , questions , or suggestions . It is my continuing hope that as a community , we can work together to make Ross an even better place for all our residents !
Thank you – ending my term as President !
It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the Board of Commissioners for the past 2 years . I will be rotating off this position for the new Board term starting in 2018 . I want to thank all of my fellow Commissioners for their support and advice during my term in leading the Board . I look forward to continue working to make our community even better .
Best regards , Jeremy Shaffer , Ph . D . President , Ross Board of Commissioners ( Ward 8 ) Email : commward8 @ ross . pa . us Phone : 412-837-9003