Nov 20, 2015 By Suzanne Elliott 3 min read

Taxes will remain at 13 mills, with the value of one mill equaling $342,469, said Michael Silvestri, township manager.

The proposed 2016 operating budget is $20.626 million, up $694,462 from last year’s budgeted expenditures. Total revenue for 2016 is projected at $17.15 million, down $864,000 from last year. Silvestri said the 2016 revenue projection does not include a state impact gas fee, which would have added more than $200,000 to the revenue total, because Harrisburg has not yet adopted a state budget.

“We are in good shape,” he said.

Silvestri said the township will not add anymore full-time employees next year, but will increase the number of hours worked by part-time police officers. Also, three department heads – Peter Overcashier in public works; Harry Fruecht, police chief; and Silvestri, who has been township manager since 1981 – will be retiring in 2016. There will be an overlap in positions to smooth out the transition, said Silvestri, who will step down in September. His successor has not yet been named.

The township fund balance also increased for the third year in a row, he said. But, the number of new residential construction units was 54, the third year it has declined. That decline, however, has been off set by some sizable residential properties that have been purchased, or are under agreement. Plus, more new residential construction is anticipated next year, he said.

According to Silvestri, the proposed budget assumes a 2016 assessed real estate value of $347.68 million, which is $5.8 million higher than last year and does not include interim taxes. That number is based on the 54 homes added last year to the township housing stock. There were nine sales of more than $1 million last year, two of which involved commercial properties, the former Colonial Modern Furniture and the Spa in the Hollow site.

Silvestri said the township is expected to spend $1.55 million on road paving in 2016. It will also replace its amphitheater at a cost of $600,000, some of which would be funded through grants. Other major expenditures next year include; $515,000 for storm sewer and water projects ; $325,000, for Public Works vehicle replacements and $250,000 for work at the Shelter 4 playground and $250,000 in municipal building improvements.

While not in the budget, the township is also looking at the possibility of buying a new ladder truck for the township fire department at a cost of around $900,000. That vehicle, which would have a 100-foot ladder, would replace the current ladder truck, acquired in 2000.

The township is also spending $40,000 on a swimming pool feasibility study. A number of township residents said they would like to see a swimming pool built when Peters was gathering resident input earlier this year for its comprehensive plan for its parks and recreation department.