Deadline approaching for applications to be next Schwenksville Borough Manager

Two weeks remain to apply to be the next leader of Schwenksville Borough.

Schwenksville Borough Council voted in August to hire a consulting firm for interim borough manager services and to assist in a search for a new permanent manager, as former Manager Dan DeMeno announced his resignation, effective Aug. 30.

According to the job description, the borough manager is the chief administrative officer of Schwenksville and supervises one other borough employee – the secretary/treasurer. The manager reports to Borough Council, which has the authority to hire and fire a manager.

Financial and administrative tasks are handled by staff, while most other functions, like zoning and code enforcement, are outsourced, per the borough.

The local municipal authority provides road, facilities and infrastructure maintenance, per the position description.

Police coverage is handled by Pennsylvania State Police.

According to “Challenges and Opportunities” in the job description, Schwenksville’s finances are “stable,” but “with small margins.”

“The manager will have to ensure that the budget is able to support the operations of the borough over the long term and find creative ways to keep expenses to a minimum,” per the description. “This is a challenge with a small tax base, but certainly manageable with proper financial planning.”

Schwenksville relies on grants to improve infrastructure, per the description, and pedestrian safety is a key focus of council.

“Schwenksville needs a manager who has a hands-on approach. With only one other staff member, there isn’t an opportunity to delegate work or act as an administrator. As a small borough, the manager will need to be involved in all aspects of municipal management. While we don’t expect the next

manager to know everything, they should be comfortable with grant application and management, overseeing projects, and code enforcement. Previous experience with finance, budgeting, technology, and public communication is important.”

Cover letters and resumes should be sent to Gregg Schuster at Gregg@imperiumconsultingllc.com by Oct. 25.

According to a job description, Schwenksville Borough is located in scenic Perkiomen Valley in western Montgomery County.

    Schwenksville Borough Meadow Park.
 By James Short   

Here are some other facts about Schwenksville:

• It was settled in the late 17th century
• The Borough was incorporated on April 6, 1903
• Schwenksville Borough has an area of 0.55 square miles.
• The Borough was originally part of Perkiomen Township
• Schwenksville is  home to the first copper mine in Pennsylvania
• Ice harvesting was once a major industry, with several large icehouses along the Perkiomen Creek
• An icehouse foundation exists at Meadow Park
• Schwenksville’s early commerce was devoted to grain milling and textiles
• The Borough was a summer resort community in its early existence
• Schwenksville has about 1,300 residents
• Local resources include an elementary school, a library, a post office, and the 6.47-acre Meadow Park along the Perkiomen Creek
• Schwenksville is a gateway to the Perkiomen Trail, with access from Main Street at multiple locations and a shared trail and park parking area at 300 Main St. and a trail head at the Route 73 bridge crossing
• It is governed by a five-member Council and a Mayor.