Mayor's Message 3/2/2022

Mayor’s Message 

March 2nd, 2022

Good Evening. I’d like to talk about two new programs we’re starting this year:

Summer Stage scholarships and the Trash Fee Rebate.

The partnership between Upper Darby Township and the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation for Summer Stage is still going strong. Applications are being submitted for scholarships offered through the township which are available to any child that is a resident of Upper Darby. Scholarships are awarded on a first come first serve basis and there are no income or academic requirements; simply a strong desire to be an active participant in this award-winning, nationally-recognized program. You can find application forms by visiting www.upperdarby.org/gov/ls/about.

Trash Fee Rebate is a multi-step process and is open to all eligible residents. Residents must first have paid their 2022 trash fee and be eligible for the PA-1000 (Property Tax Rebate). Those requirements are: Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, people with disabilities age 18 and older, all of whom must have income below $35,000. If eligible, residents then should apply for the PA-1000 if they have not done so. More information can be found on upperdarby.org/finance. We will be working closely with state Rep. Curry and state Sen. Kearney to make this process as smooth as possible.

We hired Brinker Simpson to take over as Interim Finance Director and met with them yesterday to facilitate their transition here. Department heads have been asked to compile lists of any projects being conducted with the finance department to ensure clear expectations and open communication in our work with Brinker Simpson.  Last week, we began work with Marcum Associates on the forensic audit.

We’ve made some upgrades to our council room as well. You may have noticed there is now a new A/V system offering better camera and audio capabilities for all those who cannot attend the meeting in person.  Streaming on our YouTube channel is noticeably clearer.

On tonight's agenda is the American Rescue Plan Act budget. The proposed budget is currently in line with the federal government’s guidelines for funding usage and addresses many quality-of- life issues for Upper Darby residents and businesses. This proposal offers support to non-profits dealing with the growing mental health and homelessness crisis, vaccine incentives for employees, and massive repairs and upgrades to stormwater and sewer infrastructure Also, it allocates funding throughout all our departments for essential workers bonuses, open space purchases, and small business grants. This funding is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reinvest in Upper Darby, so our residents and businesses can flourish in a cleaner, safer community.  

This is basically the same budget that was presented at the ARPA Town Hall on January 13 (which is available on our YouTube channel) and was on the February 2 council committee agenda for a vote to advertise. What is different about this ordinance is that the amendments include the $6 million in lost revenue that council released at the emergency meeting on February 7 as well as the cost for the ARPA compliance firm, UHY Meridian, which my administration hired last week. 

I’m very thankful that Jack Reagan from UHY Meridian is here tonight. Myself and my administration are very excited for this new partnership and receiving further guidance on how to best spend the ARPA money in order to better our community. We have no doubt UHY will be a great help to the reinvestment and revitalization of Upper Darby. 

Thank you.