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Wed, November 12, 2025
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Manheim Borough Council Approves $210,000 Tech Overhaul of Public Works Facility
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Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 15:21 GMT by LancasterOnline- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Manheim Borough Council Gives Green Light to Technology Overhaul at Public Works Facility
In a move that signals a broader push toward modernization, the Manheim Borough Council approved the appointment of a contractor to install a new suite of technology systems in the public‑works building on Thursday, March 15, 2024. The decision came after a two‑month bidding process, an extensive needs assessment, and a council vote of 5‑1 in favor of the project. The upgrade—estimated to cost roughly $210,000—will bring the facility into the 21st century by adding Wi‑Fi connectivity, advanced monitoring systems, and energy‑efficient controls.
The Rationale Behind the Upgrade
The public‑works building, located at 103 Water Street, has been the heart of Manheim’s infrastructure operations for decades. While it has served admirably, its aging infrastructure now limits the borough’s ability to deliver timely maintenance, secure sensitive data, and provide emergency support to residents. “We’re looking at a building that was designed for a different era,” said Councilmember Lisa M. Greene. “By modernizing our tech stack, we’ll streamline operations, reduce downtime, and ultimately better serve the community.”
The upgrade is part of the borough’s larger strategic plan to incorporate “smart‑city” technologies across municipal facilities. According to the council’s 2023‑24 strategic plan—available for public review on the borough’s website (https://manheimborough.gov/strategicplan)—the public‑works facility is the first step in a planned series of technology enhancements across the town’s key infrastructure.
What the Project Entails
The selected contractor, Cox Systems Inc. (website: https://coxsystems.com/), will be responsible for installing:
- High‑speed fiber‑optic networking to connect the building’s central server, security cameras, and data‑intensive monitoring equipment.
- Building‑automation controls for HVAC, lighting, and water‑management systems, which will be monitored in real time and adjusted automatically for optimal energy use.
- Surveillance and access control upgrades, including new IP cameras and a key‑card system for the building’s entrance.
- Public‑display panels at the facility’s lobby to provide visitors with information on current projects, service delays, and contact details.
Cox Systems also has a dedicated project manager who will oversee the installation, coordinate with borough staff, and conduct staff training sessions on the new systems.
Funding and Budget
The total project cost is $210,000, with $140,000 coming from the borough’s capital improvement fund and the remainder covered by a state grant awarded to small municipalities for infrastructure modernization. “We’ve been able to leverage the state’s Smart Infrastructure Grant to cover roughly 40% of the costs,” explained Borough Manager Paul R. Hanks. The grant details and application were discussed in a separate meeting, documented in the council minutes (link: https://lancasteronline.com/minutes/manheim/2024/3/15.html).
The council’s resolution, available as a PDF on the borough’s website (https://manheimborough.gov/documents/techupgrade_resolution.pdf), outlines the specific procurement steps, timelines, and oversight requirements. The resolution also stipulates that the borough will conduct a post‑implementation review at the end of the first year to assess the impact on operational efficiency.
Community Reaction
Residents have expressed a mix of enthusiasm and cautious optimism. “I think it’s a smart investment,” said local resident Mark Alvarez, who works in the public‑works department. “We’ve seen how the old wiring was holding us back, especially during emergency situations. This should make a noticeable difference.”
However, some residents raised concerns about potential service interruptions during installation. In response, the council assured that the contractor would schedule work during off‑peak hours and provide advance notice of any service disruptions. The project’s timeline—scheduled for completion between July and September 2024—includes a phased approach to minimize downtime.
Next Steps
The council’s next agenda item will be a briefing from Cox Systems’ project manager, who will present a detailed implementation timeline and outline the expected training sessions for borough staff. Once the installation is complete, the borough plans to integrate the new systems with its existing Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, which will allow for more precise mapping of infrastructure assets and faster incident response.
In addition to the technological upgrades, the council is exploring opportunities to integrate the public‑works building’s data streams with a new citizen‑engagement portal. “Our goal is to create a transparent, data‑driven public service,” said Mayor Thomas K. Liddell. “We want residents to see how their taxes are being used to build a smarter, safer community.”
A Broader Trend in Small‑Town Tech
Manheim’s decision reflects a growing trend among small towns to invest in technology that improves operational efficiency, enhances security, and promotes transparency. The town of Easton, for example, recently completed a similar overhaul of its wastewater treatment plant, while the neighboring borough of Whiteford announced a city‑wide fiber‑optic upgrade last summer.
By embracing these innovations, Manheim positions itself as a forward‑thinking community that values both tradition and progress. As the borough’s public‑works building transitions into a high‑tech hub, residents can expect more reliable services, faster response times, and a renewed sense of civic pride.
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