2009 News
September 28, 2009
“SURVEYING THE BUSINESS NEEDS OF BUCKS COUNTY”
Commissioners Visit Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) to Deliver Annual “State of the County” Presentations
During its traditional Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) breakfast program at Plumstead Township’s Waterwheel Restaurant this morning, the Board of Bucks County Commissioners provided an update on county government accomplishments over the past calendar year. Chairman Charles H. Martin joined colleagues James F. Cawley, Esq. and Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW to address topics that included budget stability, capital improvement, federal stimulus funding, social services, prison population issues and the ongoing business of the Bucks County Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). (Click here to view presentation)
Chairman Martin narrated a synopsis of the county’s financial outlook, offering the hope that the 2010 annual budget will include no property tax increase for a fourth consecutive year. The county’s budget process is currently in the preparation and analysis stage. It will be shaped over the upcoming months, with a public hearing and a final Commissioners’ vote to take place during December.
The chairman detailed last September’s opening of the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center in Ivyland, which handles more than 70,000 phone calls monthly, the addition of the Upper Bucks Government Services Center in Richland Township, and the continuing progress of the new county parking garage in Doylestown Borough. He also offered the breakfast attendees a preview glimpse of the pre-cast concrete panels that contractors soon will assemble on the parking garage site adjacent to Broad St.
During her second State of the County remarks to the CBCC, Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia provided an update on social services progress, referencing a Children & Youth foster care hearing that was conducted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania earlier this year. She also touched on population issues in the county Corrections system, and again expressed the hope that bi-weekly Commissioners’ meetings will be televised in the future.
Commissioner Cawley narrated a presentation about EDAB and its first-ever business survey, trumpeting the more than 2,800 responses the survey elicited from business owners of all sizes representing all regions of the county. Of those 2,800-plus respondents, Commissioner Cawley explained, 31 percent have been in business for more than 20 years, 44 percent located their business in Bucks County due to quality of life issues, and 46 percent are interested in access to low-interest loans to help grow their businesses. He punctuated his remarks by complimenting the chamber for positive feedback regarding their role in helping businesses thrive.
Meeting bi-weekly to produce specific recommendations, EDAB consists of 20 community business leaders who represent a broad spectrum of “time, energy and talent,” according to Commissioner Cawley. The board already has heard from expert speakers on a variety of topics regarding economic development and sustainability.
“We are working to determine where we want to go and, more importantly, how we get there,” he added.
Commissioner Cawley thanked the CBCC and its executive director, Dr. Vail Garvin, for its role in facilitating and hosting the 21st Century Alliance delegation from the Republic of Korea’s Namdong District during late July. The historic July 24th signing ceremony at the Pearl S. Buck Historic Site formalized Bucks County’s fist international agreement to share cultural and economic resources and ideas.
Dr. Garvin will join Commissioner Cawley and Delaware Valley College President and EDAB member Dr. Joseph Brosnan for a “reciprocal” visit to the Namdong District next month.