Government watchdog, 06.15.09

CD schools

* After bus drivers spoke out last week about their problems with transportation department administrators, school administrators decided to seek proposals to outsource management of the district’s bus fleet. The school board will be in position to consider proposals next month.

Willamsport school district earlier this month opted to subcontract its busing operations and expects to save taxpayers about $3.5 million over the next four years. The board’s vote was the subject of a TV news report. Also, Bethlehem school officials are looking at contracting the district's bus service.

* The CD board will meet next Monday, June 22, to take a final vote on the 2009-2010 budget that includes 2.45 percent property-tax hike.

Lower Paxton Twp.

* The supervisors will meet Tuesday, June 16, at the Municipal Center, 7:30 pm. The meeting will be broadcast live on Comcast channel 20.

The agenda includes a vote on a proposed ordinance that would provide active firefighters and fire police officers with a monthly stipend for continued and dedicated volunteer service. And two land development plans in Linglestown are up for final consideration – a church building expansion and a car wash on N. Mountain Road.

* CANCELED -- The Village of Linglestown Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, June 18, at the Linglestown Fire Company (brick building), 7 pm. The committee spearheaded the upcoming village improvement project that was put out to bid by the state last week.