Trouble for Southampton Days?

In a workshop, prior to their regularly scheduled meeting, the Upper Southampton Board of Supervisors is expected to discuss Southampton Days.

More specifically, the supervisors plan to discuss what will be done regarding an outstanding balance the Southampton Days Committee owes the township for supplies provided for the week-long affair.

Supervisor Walter Stevens called for the workshop at the Jan. 3 board meeting. He said it is his understanding that the committee also has an outstanding debt with Northampton Township as well.

Patrick Miller, chairman of the Southampton Days Committee, said the township generously provides for the police protection and in return they expect the committee to cover the cost of incidentals, such as the trash bags and liners, paper towels, toilet paper and the cost of the electric consumption for the six-day event.

Miller said the committee made one payment of $3500 to the township, but they still owe approximately $1315 for last year’s event. He said the committee has every intention of paying the remainder of its debt to Upper Southampton Township, they just can not do it according to the township’s  time line.

Stevens said the township already spends $25,000 for the police overtime and public works to set up the necessary barriers and barricades.

“This year, we had to raise taxes in the township,” he said. “We do that in order to provide necessary services, not to fund a parade.”

Stevens said it is unfortunate that the committee may have not achieved the turnout they were expecting for last year’s event, but that is not an excuse for non-payment.

The workshop is scheduled to take place this evening at 7 p.m., in the downstairs  meeting room of the Southampton Free Library,  947 Street Road.