UPDATE: Forks Cancels Future Fiscal Plan Meeting

We'll have to wait for Round Two.

Forks Township officials announced that the second meeting to discuss Forks Township's financial future that was supposed to be held before the Board of Supervisors regular monthly meeting Thursday has been canceled.

Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss passed on a notice from administrative assistant Debi Tindall Thursday morning. No reason was given for the cancellation.

The regular meeting will still be held at 7 p.m. in township chambers.

Forks supervisors gave their thoughts recently regarding the first meeting.

"The meeting was a good start in understanding the long-term financial impact of our decisions," Supervisor David Billings said. "I am more worried about addressing the increasing wages, benefits and pension costs. Additionally, I want to re-invent how we develop and track our township financials."

The first meeting last week on the seven-year fiscal plan focused on a financial forecast that went over property tax revenue and expenses as calls have come up for tax increases that officials have tried to avoid and put off the past few years.

Right now, Forks Township's budget is $8 million with about $9 million in debt, the treasurer's report indicates.

"The meeting went well. We reviewed all of the township revenue and expense account forecasts for the next seven years," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said.

Chuss said supervisors were planning on focusing on capital expenditures as the next step in the review process. That meeting will be held at the April 4 workshop. 

The board is targeting the end of April to complete the financial forecast.

But Chuss said additional time will be taken if needed to ensure "we have a viable forecast since we all feel this is an important tool in helping address the financial challenges facing the township."