o Reimbursement of $2,000 from the train fund for labor costs
o Reimbursement of $4,000 for labor costs on trail work done at Happel's Meadow
o Reimbursement of $30,000 from a grant for labor costs for work done to Calimer Drive
In addition to his implementing his plan, Christopher told the board, that by being frugal for the remainder of the year, an estimated $32,100 could be "squeezed out of all other accounts."
"We're going to try to hold the line as best we can," Christopher said.
Supervisor Elaine Gladhill supported Christopher's proposal.
"This is going to get us to where the shortfall is," she said.
Supervisor Jeff Geesaman also expressed support for Christopher's plan.
"I think this is a good plan to get us to the end of the year," Geesaman said.
While the board agreed on how to address the shortfall, the issue also prompted the supervisors to brainstorm ways in which the township could reduce its overall expenses for 2011.
Supervisor Carroll Sturm prepared several options for the board's consideration. Sturm's suggestions included taking a look at reorganizing the township's operational structure, hiring a roadmaster to direct road crews and considering selling the township's recycling center to a private contractor.
"We need to be looking at how we cut spending and improve operations," Sturm said.
Sturm also suggested the board look at the impact a 10 percent reduction in hourly wages for employees would have on the budget.
The supervisors acknowledged the need to look at pay raises and benefits for township employees as well as capital costs.
Supervisor Jeff Geesaman expressed concern for employees if the board imposed a pay decrease.
"What about the impact on the employees' budgets," he said. "I think right now we need to focus on the remainder of the year," he said.
Sturm stressed that cutting costs should not be ignored.
"We can't continue to spend at the same level we're spending," he said.
Supervisor John Gorman said the board should consider all suggestions.
"We'd be putting on blinders if we didn't consider some of these options," he said.
Christopher said the board has a difficult task ahead of it when they begin in earnest to look at the 2011 budget.
"There are some tough decisions to make," he said.
