The preliminary 2013 budget presented to Upper Milford Township supervisors Oct. 18 shows projected expenses about $60,000 less than the projected revenue of $1.76 million.

However, Township Manager Daniel DeLong told supervisors, there are a number of issues which must be addressed before the budget is final, from what to do about replacing Yeakel's Mill Road bridge to repairing a section of the township building roof which appears to be leaking, to whether to buy a new sign in front of the township building and more.

DeLong said he needs direction from supervisors as to how to proceed on some of these issues before he can finalize the budget.

"Does anyone want to entertain a tax rate increase?" he asked. Another alternative would be to tap into the reserve fund, which is about $250,000.

Supervisor George DeVault said he would like a few days to review the information before setting priorities. Other board members agreed and a second budget workshop was scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight Oct. 24.

DeLong said the Yeakel's Mill bridge is just one of several in the township that are deteriorating and need repair sooner, rather than later.

"Many of them are 100-year-old structures," he said.

Road supervisor and former township supervisor Steve Ackerman agreed.

He and DeLong said the bridge at Salem Bible and Sigmund roads is one which urgently needs repair and DeLong strongly urged at least getting design work done next year for that project.

"We need to stop kicking this can down the road," Supervisor Robert Sentner said. "We need a concentrated effort to explain to residents what we're up against."

Sentner said he thinks the $1.7 million it costs yearly to operate the township is a bargain.

Sentner has also been strongly urging the township to get a permanent sign in front of the township building, saying it is not well identified and he frequently has to give people directions. He also has a concern about allowing the proliferation of signs placed there by fire departments, churches, etc. advertising upcoming events.

DeLong said it would be hard to tell those nonprofit organizations not to put their signs up and suggested one option would be a lighted sign that would feature a changing list of upcoming events.

"How much do we want to spend?" he asked. The board directed him to come up with some alternative proposals.

The board also debated, in response to a question from audience member Phil Casey, whether merging the township's two fire companies would be a realistic way of saving money. Supervisor Chairman Daniel Mohr said he has heard of other townships who have tried this and it ended up costing them more money.

However, DeVault, who is active with the Vera Cruz Fire Company, said down the road it may be necessary to look at what to do about the increasing difficulty both departments have getting enough people to respond to calls.