The public hearing on the budget will be held on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building
Late last month, council introduced the 2017 proposed municipal budget.
The total budget for 2017 is $23.3 million with $12 million to be raised through taxes. This will increase the tax levy to 52.3 cents for every $100 of assessed property.
While the total budget has decreased from last year’s $24 million, the amount to be raised by taxation has increased from $11.3 million.
For residents with the average home valued at $230,366, municipal taxes will increase by $52.75 per year.
“The small tax increase was needed because there was a decrease in available surplus funds to balance the budget,” township administrator Walter Corter said.
Additionally, the township will be replacing a police officer position that was lost during the workforce reduction in 2009. The township is under self review as opposed to state review.
“I’d like to thank the mayor and Walt [Corter] and all the department heads for the outstanding work you’ve done on our budget for the year 2017,” Councilman Carl Schoenborn said. “I certainly appreciate the hard work.”
Schoenborn was one of many council members to thank those who worked on the budget.
“Thank you to the department heads for their fine work in preparing the budget. That process began in November,” Councilman E.L. Pete Green said.
Councilwoman Patricia Siboczy praised the department heads for their efforts in ensuring money is not being wasted and all money raised is needed somewhere or can be balanced to avoid future increases.
“We look forward to a successful 2017,” Councilman Michael Cantwell said.
Despite the rather large turnout at the council meeting, there were no comments from the public regarding the budget.
The public hearing on the budget will be held on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m at the municipal building. This will give the public the opportunity to ask questions or express concerns on the proposed budget before it is officially adopted.
