MOVING ROSS FORWARD IN 2017 … AND BEYOND ! A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ROSS BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS , JEREMY SHAFFER
our road paving budget by nearly 50 % to $ 2 Million . We continue to implement a computerized management system to help guide the process and obtain the maximum results . Additionally , we are expanding our preventative treatments to keep our good roads in better condition for longer .
The Township also invests several million dollars a year in inspecting , repairing , and maintaining our sanitary sewers and storm water system . This critical infrastructure below ground is frequently forgotten . However , it is often subject to some of the most rigorous Federal and State requirements . oss Township
ROSS TOWNSHIP NEWS
Jeremy Shaffer , Ph . D . President , Ross Board of Commissioners ( Ward 8 )
It is a privilege to serve the residents of Ross as we strive to advance our community forward for all our residents , businesses , and visitors . Your Township Commissioners have had an extremely productive 2016 and already off to a strong start in 2017 as we work hard to make Ross an even better place .
Taxes Held Steady for 2017 Ross has once again held our taxes steady . For 2017 , our property tax remains at 2.7 mils , and the Township ’ s portion of the local earned income tax remains at 0.5 %. The Commissioners face a challenging endeavor every year as we seek to optimize our services . This is no easy task as we continue to receive a growing list of mandates passed down from Federal and State entities . It should also be noted that in 2016 the Commissioners were able to eliminate a small , but highly counterproductive , amusement tax that discouraged and penalized a variety of business that we would like to maintain in and attract to Ross .
Paving Budget Increased by Nearly 50 % Maintaining our Township infrastructure is one of the most important and expensive tasks that the Commissioners handle . Ross Township has a backlog of roads in need of repaving and repair . The Board has been working for the past few years to develop a long-range plan to address this need . For 2017 , we have increased
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More Park Improvements Planned Ross maintains a wide array of parks throughout the Township . These facilities are actively used by individuals and sports organizations . The Township is continuing a multi-year process of rejuvenating and enhancing many of these facilities . We continue to invest an extra $ 50,000 a year toward field improvements while also replacing older equipment . Some of the final stages of Evergreen Park improvements should be completed this year with a new playground installed .
PennDOT Grants for Transportation and Pedestrian Improvements Most of the major roadways in Ross are owned by PennDOT or Allegheny County . Several of these intersections are particular trouble spots – I am sure we could all name several of our ‘ favorites ’. It has been frustrating that their needs have not been addressed for decades . To help finally move improvements forward the Township is aggressively seeking and applying for grants of our own initiative . In 2016 , we were awarded a major grant for part of the Siebert / McKnight intersection . At the end of 2016 , the Township applied for two new grants : adding a turn lane and pedestrian improvements to part of the Sewickley-Oakmont / Perry Highway intersection and also a Phase 2 for Siebert / McKnight . We await word on the status of these , but will continue to aggressively pursue all available funding sources .
Once again , please do not hesitate to contact me or another Commissioner if you have concerns , questions , or suggestions . We are here to serve you . It is my hope that we as a community can work together to make Ross an even better place for all our residents !
Best regards , Jeremy Shaffer , Ph . D . President , Ross Board of Commissioners ( Ward 8 ) Email : commward8 @ ross . pa . us Phone : 412-837-9003