Andrea Telenko Juarez

The Rutledge Borough Finance Committee provided updates on the 2026 budget, noting that the overall tax burden for residents is expected to remain stable due to careful financial planning, including the use of previous year budget surpluses, reserve funds, and interest earnings. Key factors include savings in the sewer budget offsetting increases in the operating budget. The budget addresses rising costs in emergency services, including a regional partnership for Advanced Life Services following the closure of Crozer Health. The committee is also exploring creating a Municipal Authority for Emergency Services. Other topics include the cost of maintaining Borough Hall, a decrease in hall rental revenue due to updated rental policies, and reduced revenues from penalties due to improved tax collection. The ongoing work in Triangle Park is funded through dedicated reserve funds and grants, not residents' tax dollars. The committee plans to use interest earnings to offset rising costs and is seeking additional savings across administrative costs.

The council meeting covered various topics including a resident's inquiry about the new trash service and can limitations. The tax collector's report highlighted that 2024 Borough taxes were in the 10% penalty phase. The mayor's report included upcoming conferences and a theme for 2025. Discussion points included the Gather Space update and Phase 3 bidding, the adoption of the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, and a PIRMA Lost Control Grant application for new doors and hardware. The meeting also addressed the new sanitation contract, including additional yard waste collection pricing and a postponed vote on a change order. Recycling grant discussions and glass bin updates were also included.

The council meeting covered various topics including the approval of the agenda and minutes from the September 16, 2024 meeting. Discussions included upcoming community events, updates on the Gather Space project (Phase 3), including adjustments to the base bid and alternates, and potential changes to Waverly Avenue. The council also approved advertising the Gather Space RFP with add alternates, pending zoning approval and updated drawings. Other topics included the approval of bills and distributions, budget requests for 2025, hiring of temporary clerical assistants, updates on yard waste collection, the e-waste event, the traveling glass bin, the trash contract, and 902/904 grant updates. A community engagement session for the Borough Hall project was also noted.

The council meeting covered various topics including the Swarthmore Police Department monthly report and updates on their certification process. Discussion included the Gather Space bid and related grants, the Sylvan Ave crosswalk, an October Code Inspector's report, and the International Property Maintenance Code. The budget was reviewed and advertised for adoption, with sewer rate increases discussed. A new trash contract and MRF (DSWA) were also discussed, along with updates on the tree lighting ceremony and other borough activities. The meeting concluded with a moment of remembrance for Ron Powell.

The council meeting covered various topics including the Swarthmore Police Department report, Swarthmore PD training, approval of the September 3, 2024 meeting minutes, updates on upcoming community events, the Phase 3 Gather Space Project, crosswalk painting, amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code, the 2025 calendar, budget discussions, a proposal for temporary part-time assistance for recodification/code hosting work, trash/recycling/yard waste and recycling disposition RFPs, the PRC Traveling Glass Bin, an e-waste event, and updates from the Shade Tree and Planning Commissions. Discussions also included maintenance of curbs and the advertising of an open Planning Commission seat.