Lower Moreland Presents 2012 Budget with No Tax Increase

The Lower Moreland Board of Commissioners presented its preliminary budget and residents will not see an increase in taxes as part of the 2012 approval.

The budget was presented on Nov. 16 and is now available for public inspection by visiting the during normal business hours.

Properties assessed at the township's average value of $220,000 will continue to pay $740 in taxes. The millage remains at 3.364 mills. The budget includes a 4-percent increase in expenditures due to contractual increases in salaries and benefits and increase in fuel and utilities.

The budget revenue stands at a total of $5,788,523.

More money will allow the township to purchase capital items like a new truck, refurbish two existing vehicles, a new mower, landscape trailer and completion of the playground at Ridgway Park for the Public Works Department. It also will provide the completion of the township's Zoning Code update.

The township's trash collecting fee will be reduced by $20. Residents will now pay $290 in 2012 compared to $310 in 2011. Lower Moreland is going with BFI Waste Services to maintain the current twice-a-week pickup for trash and once-a-week pickup for recylcing. The budget proposes to keep the same sewer rates as last year.

The budget will be considered for adoption by the Board of Commissioners at their Dec. 21 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Township Building.