Board of Supervisors Approves Grant for Tri-County Band

The Lower Southampton Board of Supervisors unanimously approved giving a $1,500 grant to the Tri-County Band at Wednesday evening's meeting.

Tri-County Band's President Dale Habel spoke to the board prior to their vote and explained the hardships the band has been experiencing.

He said that while they purchased the building they rehearse in on Elmwood Avenue in Feasterville for $35,000, but that "it costs far more than that to keep it running.” In addition, Habel told the board that the band's income has decreased and expenses have increased.

The band has made efforts to increase its income by charging a group rent to use space in its building and selling ad space in its spring concert program.

The board's secretary-treasurer Ed Shannon, who is also an event chairperson for the township's Fourth of July parade, told the board that the parade committee is now purchasing the services of the band for this year's July 4 parade for $1,000. Shannon added that he would support including an annual grant in the township's future budgets.

The Board of Supervisors has been approving grants for the Tri-County Band for more than 20 years.