Development News for Lower Macungie, Pennsylvania
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May 27, 2026, LMT Board of Commissioners Workshop Meeting
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Mccundi Ambulance Corp. Delivers Annual Report Highlighting Operational Successes, Financial Challenges, and Community Impact
Christopher Greb, Director of the Mccundi Ambulance Corp., presented the annual report for the previous year. The call volume returned to 5,110 emergency calls, with 3,921 of those in Lower Mccundi Township. The report detailed the organization's four divisions: general operations, community outreach, special operations, and administration. The community outreach division provided 31 community courses, certifying 298 individuals and providing CPR training to 150 others. The special operations division responded to 41 incidents across four counties. The administration division reported a budget surplus of approximately $40,000 before capital expenses, which totaled $75,000 for items like a litter system and increased security for narcotics. Greb highlighted the increasing cost of readiness and providing services that are not reimbursed, emphasizing reliance on municipal partners and community members for financial support. The ambulance service is currently fully staffed with 17 full-timers, a rarity in the EMS field. They are actively involved in training programs to support current and new providers. Financially, the organization faces challenges with rising costs and decreasing reimbursements, with proposed legislation aiming to mandate direct payment from commercial insurers. The service also notes the impact of the new local hospital, with some patients self-presenting rather than calling ambulances. The service has seen a reduction in mileage due to the hospital's proximity, estimating about one patient per day transported there. The organization is exploring options for fleet planning and has seen increased municipal contributions towards EMS, noting that other services are struggling, with some even going bankrupt. The Mccundi Ambulance Corp. also provides community services like CPR training for township employees and has facilitated the placement of additional AEDs within the public works department. The director expressed concerns about the financial sustainability of EMS services due to rising costs and decreasing reimbursements, with legislative solutions being sought. The service is also observing trends related to overdoses and drug activity, noting spikes in incidents when "bad batches" are circulating and providing information packets for those needing help. They also noted a significant increase in Medicaid reimbursements over the last five years in Pennsylvania, bringing them closer to Medicare rates. The service currently employs 17 full-timers and 15 part-timers, supported by volunteers, with a balance between paramedics and EMTs. They also have three advanced EMTs. The organization invests heavily in training, with a rigorous in-house program for new hires, taking approximately five months and costing the township significant investment. The report also touched upon the challenges of drug addiction, citing statistics on relapse rates and the personal experience of saving a life with naloxone. The discussion also included the impact of potential Medicaid cuts, though past years have seen increased reimbursements. The service also provides community training, including CPR and AED placement, and assists with fleet planning. The municipality's financial support for EMS has increased from $35,000 to $75,000-$100,000 in recent years. The service is prepared to provide updated numbers on overdose trends and patient transport to the new hospital. The director acknowledged the impact of the new hospital on call volumes and patient transport, noting that while some patients self-present, the service still provides critical care when needed, especially for very ill individuals who may require transfer to other facilities. The new hospital's presence has led to reduced mileage for transports to that facility, with an estimated one patient per day being transported there.
Multiple Development Projects Advance, Including New Housing, Infrastructure Upgrades, and Park Renovations
Vince provided an update on several development projects. The Spring Creek 2022 modification and the 6130 Sauerkraut land development plan have been recorded, with construction expected soon. Cove at Milbrook and 3510 Mccui Road developments are nearing completion, with agreements and check sets reviewed, anticipating groundbreaking in the next month. The Mertztown pump station received approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and is in temporary operation, allowing for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for model homes in the NVR Ryan Homes development. Two single-family model homes and a four-unit townhome model are available, with open houses planned. The pump station's operational status enables the issuance of additional permits throughout the development. NVR anticipates high sales interest based on early interest in the models. Nate added that grant applications for paths and ADA crosswalks are being diligently worked on, with resolutions to be presented soon. He also noted follow-up work on the zoning ordinance and announced the next planning commission meeting on June 9th. Doug reported that major projects for the public works group are commencing, including the East Texas playground renovation, excavation, and grading for a new playground, and the hot mix program. Mr. Rehab will begin camera videoing of lines for the stormwater project next week. A question was raised about the schedule for the bridge over Indian Creek Road, with Doug offering to reach out to PennDOT for an update. Mark and Bruce addressed concerns about a performance bond and warranty for cured-in-place lining (CIPP) for the stormwater project, confirming a one-year warranty for the install and a 10-year product warranty for the liner material, with a design life of 100 years.
Township Considers Freedom Capital Group for Investment Services Amid Market Volatility
The board discussed engaging Freedom Capital Group for investment services. Bruce addressed questions regarding fees, stating that there is no direct advisory fee to the township. Freedom Capital is compensated through a small amount built into the investment rate by the issuer. Current market volatility was noted, with rates for CDs, municipal lending, and treasuries ranging from 3.7% to 4%. Investments are spread across various vehicles to reduce risk and are managed to stay within FDIC insurance limits ($250,000 per CD, with recommendations for $235,000 per laddered investment). The service aims to free up time for the township's finance team by managing investment opportunities and laddering, reducing the time spent on daily banking and rate shopping. While current advisors are not being paid, the township utilizes investment funds like the Plegat fund and the Pennsylvania P-PLAF fund. The agreement with Freedom Capital is terminable with prior notice.
Township Commissioners Review Procedures for Deputy Tax Collector Appointment Amidst Questions of Oversight
The board discussed the process for appointing a deputy tax collector. Bruce explained that the tax collector requested the appointment of a deputy to serve in case of incapacitation, a provision allowed by state tax collector code. The township board of commissioners must authorize this deputy. Past practice includes previous appointments, with the current tax collector having served as a deputy previously. The discussion also clarified that the tax collector's office is independent, with its own staff and budget, and not employees of the township. The township provides $10,000 towards the tax collector's salary and covers expenses for printing bills and software. The tax collector's office receives revenue from fees for tax certificates and potentially from the school district. Mark is researching oversight of the tax collector, noting that as an elected official, oversight primarily rests with the public, governed by state statute which includes reporting requirements, training, and continuing education.
Township Adopts Resolution for Disposition of Property via Auction
The board reviewed a draft resolution for the disposition of township property. Bruce presented the policy requiring items over $2,000 in value to be brought before the board for auction through a platform called Municibid. Items under $2,000 can be disposed of by the Township Manager. Items with no value are discarded. The resolution authorizes the township to proceed with the auction and dispose of designated assets. Department directors identify items that are no longer necessary for their operations. The purpose is to comply with the first-class township code and inform the board of how assets are being disposed of. Without this authorization, the township would be required to keep the items.
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