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As new challenges mount on municipalities, fresh and experienced perspectives are needed to address them with urgency. Perkasie is moving down the wrong path. Development pressures are impacting the quality and stability of everyday life. Our comprehensive plan has not been updated since 2014, while zoning disputes, vehicle traffic, and stormwater surges worsen. Perkasie Borough has struggled to balance our budget for four straight years, presenting gaps that total over $4 million. Borough administration has pointed to declining revenues from our electric department since 2022, and "slowing development" in 2023. Unlike neighboring municipalities, we did nothing to reduce our overall energy demand, missing opportunities to strengthen our public utility. Now energy costs are soaring across Pennsylvania, and again Perkasie is caught flat-footed.
Perkasie needs proactive leadership. Local government needs to work for you, not wait for solutions to arrive. This failed approach is clearly (and tragically) symbolized by the state of our treasured Covered Bridge: Perkasie's eroding character, and a growing burden to taxpayers. Everywhere you look, we are paying more for inaction or incompetence.
We have the possibility to elect the right people for this moment. Six of our neighbors have stepped up to serve, each motivated by unique reasons to give back to the home they love. Each is committed to preserving what makes Perkasie special, and determined to build a better future!
Scott's BLOT
Scott's BLOT
Bucks County’s oldest covered bridge remains in disrepair, tied up in government bureaucracy at every level, as a consequence of Councilman Bomboy’s failed leadership.
Bucks County’s oldest covered bridge remains in disrepair, tied up in government bureaucracy at every level, as a consequence of Councilman Bomboy’s failed leadership.
For half a century, the South Perkasie Covered Bridge was a treasured symbol of our heritage and history. For the past four years, it has been a blot on our town’s character and pride. Perkasie citizens deserve a clear plan!
Since our town rallied to move the covered bridge in 1958, it has been a community project, a symbol of what we can accomplish together. Since massive flooding from Hurricane Ida in 2021, it has become the pet project of Councilman Bomboy. Contrary to what you will read in interviews and press releases, repairs did not start in 2024. Worse yet, the estimated costs have skyrocketed while the primary funding source (FEMA) is under scrutiny.
Is Perkasie ready to cover the costs?
It seems we're stuck with “Scott’s BLOT”, greeting travelers on Walnut Street, park-goers, and baseball teams from its shallow perch in Lenape Park.
If a councilman can’t get this right, what does this mean for preserving Perkasie's public utilities, protecting from increasing flooding and overdevelopment? Perkasie cannot afford four more years of failed leadership.
People want answers. What is taking so long? What caused the delays? How can we trust the timeframes? Are taxpayers the backup plan?
Aug. 28, 2023:
“When will repairs be done?”
“Finding a firm to do the work could take six months, Bomboy said. Bids are required for the timber and abutments. The earliest work would commence is July 2024, completed by Sept. 2024.”
- per a Courier Times interview
Dec 29, 2024: “Scott Bomboy, chair of the Perkasie Borough Historical Committee said the cost is estimated between $650,000 and $700,000… The goal is to have the project done by the end of August.”
- Per a WFMZ interview https://www.wfmz.com/.../article_038b986c-c62d-11ef-8a31...
Another season, another press release. Now we’re all counting on FEMA (again) to approve the project. https://perkasieborough.org/resources/news/article/?id=6263
Now it’s a $1.7 million ask…but at least this time they’re planning to move it away from the creek. What’s the backup plan?
Put simply: this is local Government at its worst. After "more than 100 meetings, countless emails and calls", we're stuck with #ScottsBLOT. It's past time for a change. We need proactive local leaders to get the job done!
Accountability.
Accountability.
$4 Million in Budget Gaps in 4 Years?!
$4 Million in Budget Gaps in 4 Years?!
Perkasie Borough has struggled to balance our budget for four straight years, presenting gaps totaling over $4 million. Borough administration has pointed to declining revenues from our electric department since 2022, and "slowing development" in 2023.
September 26, 2022 Minutes discussing the 2023 Draft Budget shows that the Admin claims that 100% of the $575,416 deficit is a result of the Electric Fund. There are discussions on changes in budgeting the sale of electricity; a representative from AMP (American Municipal Power) presented at the following meeting (October 12). September 27, 2023
Minutes on the 2024 Draft Budget show a deficit of $577,499, largely pinned on the reduction of revenue from slowing development in Perkasie, costs associated with weather and electric power purchases.
On October 12, 2022, the Finance Committee held a meeting specifically on the changes in the electric department. Mike Migliore of AMP presented on the Boro’s electric and expectations for next year. They discussed the use of GDS consulting to review their power supply portfolio and related information, as it appears about half of their members have another consultant. The declining revenue was discussed. Adding residents has not increased load growth as expected, due to gas heating in newer homes, weather, smart meters, improved efficiency, etc.
Protecting Perkasie's Utilities
Protecting Perkasie's Utilities
Like all of PA, our rates are jumping. Unlike others, we are spiking more and faster, due to decisions made by the incumbent administration. Perkasie is one of 35 municipalities in Pennsylvania with a publicly-owned electric utility.
Stormwater Flooding
Stormwater Flooding
Perkasie residents have recently experienced repeated life-threatening flooding from storm surges, which has worsened from poor planning and inaction.
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