by Commissioners Hank Llewellyn & Don Read—
Eight years ago, Upper Pottsgrove Township was in severe financial distress. The Township was carrying approximately $8 million in debt and had minimal cash for operational needs. Beneath our streets, a looming financial crisis existed within the sewer collection system, a system that required extensive repairs and costly long-term improvements. Township budgeting practices were, at best, inadequate, and the Township pension funds were significantly underfunded to the point where a state intervention was on the horizon.
At the same time, developers largely dictated the direction of the Township. Large-scale housing developments, consisting of hundreds of homes, were approved at record speed by a majority of the Board of Commissioners, often against the advice of professional staff. Township infrastructure was also in crisis. The police, public works, and administrative buildings were well beyond their useful life and required substantial investment simply to remain habitable.
In response, the taxpayers demanded change and elected new leadership. In 2018, Trace Slinkerd was elected to the Board of Commissioners and immediately elected to the role of President. His military leadership experience at the rank of Colonel, combined with his background in finance, investing, and organizational management in the government and corporate sectors, made him exceptionally well-suited for the position. President Slinkerd developed both short and long-term strategic plans to address these challenges, recruited and helped elect fiscally responsible commissioners committed to reform, and supported the hiring of professional management to execute a comprehensive restructuring of Township operations.
Under President Slinkerd’s leadership, Upper Pottsgrove Township is now:
- Debt-free, with no foreseeable need to incur new debt
- Holding approximately $10 million in cash reserves, earning nearly $1,000 per day in interest
- Free from the long-standing financial risks associated with the sewer collection system
- Operating with budgeting practices that meet accepted professional standards
- Maintaining healthy pension funds
- No longer dominated by developer-driven decision-making
- Advancing a comprehensive, fully designed, approved, and fully funded building plan to replace the Police, Administration, and Public Works buildings—without raising taxes or taking on debt
It is also worth noting that the Pennsylvania State Senate formally recognized Upper Pottsgrove Township’s remarkable turnaround on the Senate floor.
Retiring Commissioner Don Read noted that throughout the years and the many difficult decisions the Board was required to make, Trace consistently reminded commissioners to focus on what was best for the majority of residents—not just those who regularly attend meetings.
Retiring Commissioner Hank Llewellyn added, “We essentially had a six-figure CFO serving as our Board President for $200 a month.”
We extend our sincere appreciation to President Trace Slinkerd for successfully accomplishing this mission. His steady leadership, persistence, and commitment—despite relentless headwinds and constant criticism—have left the Township in a stronger, more stable position for generations to come.
Commissioner Don Read
Commissioner Hank Llewellyn