Lower Macungie Votes to Advertise 2013 Budget

Lower Macungie Commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a balanced budget for 2013 worth $18.1 million that will finance -- still without property taxes a host of capital projects throughout the township.

Sewer rates, however, will go up about 10 percent, according to Commissioner Ryan Conrad, a member of the township's budget and finance committee. 

The increased rate means taxpayers will pay up to $25 per household for the year, Township Manager Bruce Fosselman said.

Planned projects include:

• Renovations to Camp Olympic facilities including the restrooms next to the parking lot, repairs to two pavilions, snack bar, another restroom and two stone barns: $240,000 with a matching Green Future Grant from Lehigh County.
• Road resurfacing: $700,000
• Traffic light improvements: $500,000
• Replacement of township equipment: $150,000
• Facility improvements including roof replacement at township building, upgrading commissioners' meeting room, purchase of two generators and construction of a pole barn for the Public Works Department: no cost given.
• Continuation of the sewer infiltration and inflow rehabilitation project: $300,000

Conrad also mentioned three "fiscally responsible" actions taken by the township during 2012: the refinancing of a bond that will save $250,000, retiring of $2 million of debt and placing $1.2 million in escrow toward the 2018 purchase of a firetruck.