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