Proposed Township Budget Includes Small Tax Hike

Lower Saucon Township residents could see a small tax increase next year, if township council ultimately adopts the version of the $6.8 million preliminary 2013 budget it unanimously approved Nov. 7.

The total millage rate with a .25 mill increase would become 4.39, meaning a homeowner whose home is assessed at $100,000 would pay $439 in taxes in 2013, or $25 more than was paid in 2012.

The increase would help pay for fire vehicles.

According to a 2013 Budget Highlights one-sheet prepared by township finance director Cathy Gorman, the township's revenues are forecast to decrease by about three percent in 2013, with "overall revenues stagnating...due to the crisis in financial and housing markets."

Fixed township expenditures that are expected to increase in 2013 include: non-uniformed contract employee expenses; uniformed contract employee expenses; pension plan and social security tax contributions; health insurance premiums; electricity costs; and fuel expenses, according to the document.

New expenses that are proposed in 2013 include:

• Seidersville Hall repairs
• Improvements to Steel City Park, Polk Valley Park, the Easton Road ball fields and the Saucon Rail Trail
• License plate ID software, a weight scale and a mobile speed display trailer for the Lower Saucon Police Department
• Open space consulting expenses (to be paid from the Open Space Fund)
• A water trailer for the public works department
• Rebidding for expenses for park infrastructure and maintenance

The complete 2013 preliminary budget approved by council Nov. 7 is posted on the Lower Saucon Township website under Finance.

Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for Dec. 19.

Council's next regular meeting is scheduled to be held Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7pm in Lower Saucon Town Hall.