Dear Residents,

The successful operation of a municipality the size of Bristol Township is a complex matter that requires the efforts and cooperation of many individuals. In preparing the 2007 Budget my staff and I have worked with the Council, consultants, key personnel and members of the public. The 2007 Budget as presented is balanced and is designed to promote unity, be highly informative to residents and to accomplish the following objectives:

• Hold the line on taxes (This is the 8th year out of 9 with no tax increase),
• Improve services,
• Invest much needed funds into the Township’s infrastructure,
• Promote economic development, and
• Support vital community initiatives.

The 2007 Budget as presented is balanced and holds the line on taxes: To accomplish this goal I have called upon my management team to work hard controlling expenditures and ensuring that the Township collects all funds that it is due. The new technology systems and communication improvements have been highly useful in these efforts. In addition, our grant writer, staff members and local representatives have worked hard securing grant funds that have been wisely spent on vital community initiatives such as parks, public safety and infrastructure improvements.Improving Services: The safety and security of the Township is paramount. The 2007 budget provides much needed funds for increasing the size of the police force to 80 officers. This will allow the department to increase patrols of our neighborhoods and highways. In addition, the department will be proactive on tough issues such as prostitution, graffiti, gangs and drunk driving.  Our Fire Marshal’s office has also increased in size with the assistance of a SAFER Grant.  The new inspectors/fire fighters have hit the streets and have already corrected many problems in the commercial areas and apartment complexes. They are to be congratulated for the large roll they are playing to ensure that the Township is a cleaner, safer and nicer place to live and work.In addition, our public works department has had an amazing year. This year they have paved over 57 streets and repaired or installed over 3,030 feet of storm drains. Residents may also have noticed that the parks and green belts have been receiving extra attention. The 2007 Budget contains funds to continue these initiatives as well as providing for much needed bridge and traffic signal improvements. We are also working on obtaining much needed equipment to improve snow and ice control services as we approach the winter months.  Our Department of Building, Planning and Zoning has also had an extremely busy year. The department processed over 3,200 permits and over 800 complaints so far this year.  In addition, they receive over 65 customers at the counter and 175 phone calls a day! The department continues to upgrade the technology they are using. This year look for all permit applications to be available on line. 

Investing in Our Infrastructure:
As I touched on earlier, the 2007 Budget provides much needed revenue to make improvements to our roads, drainage systems and parks. In addition, we will be making significant improvements to our traffic signals, bridges and streetlights that are in need of significant upgrades and repairs. The Township has also received $300,000 in grant funds for the park on Coates Avenue.Promoting Economic Development: The Township will continue its work promoting economic development. In recent years the Township has updated its subdivision and land development ordinance, its zoning ordinance and is currently revising its storm water controls. We have developed and implemented a LERTA program to attract new development and lead the way on the Rt. 13 revitalization study that is now on PennDOT’s plan for implementation. This year we will make additional changes to our Town Center Zoning District and create a new Waterfront Zoning District. The Township has also received grant funds to update our Comprehensive Plan and develop a plan to attract new transit-oriented development.Newly approved business include: Bucks County Community College, Subway Restaurant on Rt. 413, Arby’s Restaurant on Levittown Pkwy., two new Walgreen’s Pharmacies, Estee Lauder expansion in Keystone Park and three new research and development companies on the Rohm and Haas site.Proposed new businesses include: two new hotels on Rt. 413 and the redevelopment of three sites, Long Horn Steakhouse, Hartwell property on Rt. 13 and the former 3M site.Support for Vital Community Initiatives:  The 2007 Budget is also an action plan to support vital community initiatives. We will continue to provide and support recreation programs for residents of all ages. We will also continue to support the Senior Center, the Weed and Seed Program and the other programs that develop a strong sense of community pride and unity such as:

• Community Fair
• Summer Youth Recreation Program
• Youth Athletic Programs
• Holiday Tree Lighting
• Thanksgiving/Holiday Parade
• Community Gardens Program
• Civilian and Youth Police Academies
• Youth Aid Panel
• Youth Readjustment Program
• Blighted Eradication Program
• Channel 22 Programming

The Budget as presented to the Bristol Township Council on the 16th day of November 2006 is balanced. The budget and the financial affairs of the Township are an ongoing, serious matter. In the previous two years we have made significant progress in placing the Township in a stronger financial position. In 2005 we ended the year with a fund balance of $3,144,818 in the General Fund and this year’s balance is projected to be $3,270,018. I believe the residents can be extremely proud of the tremendous work Bristol Township employees are doing. My staff and I remain committed to working with the Council to provide the best services at the lowest cost possible. I want to personally thank the Department Heads and the Budget Advisory Committee for all of their hard work on the 2007 Budget. In addition, I want to thank all of the employees who have worked tirelessly this year to make our community great. Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Samuel J. Fenton, Executive