By Rick Bruni Jr.

Published: Thursday, November 15, 2012, 12:31 a.m.
Updated: Thursday, November 15, 2012

Washington Township Supervisor Chuck Yusko handed out holiday cards with Christmas music CDs enclosed before Wednesday's public meeting.

And the supervisors spread more good cheer, announcing the township will not raise taxes for the 10th straight year.

The board unanimously approved a tentative 2013 budget, which has equal expenditures and revenue of $1,170,980. Supervisor Arnold Dull said the tentative budget should be seen as par for the course.

“We have not raised taxes since 2003, because we are very judicious about where and how we spend,” Dull said. “Simply put, we don't bite off more than we can chew.”

Supervisor Jamie Miller noted that approximately $100,000 is expected to be budgeted for road repairs in 2013, including tar and chipping and a limited amount of repaving. Miller mentioned Vernon Street for the latter.

“We promised we would do so many roads per year, and I think we should stick with that,” she said. “There's enough in our pie to commit that approximate amount for the roads.”

Dull read a letter from the state Public Utility Commission stating the township would receive $76,931 in gas-drilling impact fees by Dec. 1. The letter apologized for a delay, stating the commission had to review disbursements.

Dull and Miller each said they won't place the money into the budget until the check is signed and delivered.

“Now, it's been already adjusted how many times? That formula (they use) changes constantly, based on population, roads, number of wells,” Dull said. “Under law, there are only 13 ways we can spend this money. The three of us will get together and decide how to put that money to good use.”

After some confusion, the board accepted the resignation of Kyle Miller from the water authority board. After initially refusing to accept the resignation, Miller offered another motion to accept and Dull seconded the motion. Yusko voted no.

“I accept this with much reluctance,” Dull said. “We're trying to get civic-minded people who put the interest of the community before their own personal interests, and he was one of them.”

Dull told the crowd at the meeting that anyone interested in filling the opening can apply.

The township's Light Up Night will be 6 p.m. Friday at the fire hall.

Rick Bruni Jr. is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at rbruni@tribweb.com or 724-684-2635.

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