No tax increase, other good news announced by Hampton Council

There was good news all around at the Hampton Council meeting on Dec. 13.

Council approved a real estate tax rate for 2024 at 2.9241 mills, representing no increase.

Additionally, community leaders awarded former council member Martha J. Hunkele with a plaque that will stand at her namesake playground at Hampton Community Park. She served four years totaling 14 years on council, through 2019.

She was joined by family members as she was recognized during the meeting. Husband Donald, son Gregory and daughter Jana Messmer were in attendance to watch council unveil the plaque.

Martha was instrumental in raising the funds for the playground.

“She always wanted a nice, safe place for her grandchildren and other kids to play,” said Gregory Hunkele. “The plaque makes it permanent. It means forever. The playground was already named after her, but now it’s final.”

His mother is no stranger to community service. She was a predominant member of the local Republican party and volunteered for many years at her church, where she was a trustee and helped generate funds for a children’s center that is still active.

After raising Gregory and Jana, she adopted four Polish children and put them through school in Hampton.

“She was really involved with local athletics, and she used to drive kids all over the place for sporting events,” Gregory said.

In another bit of good news, winter beards were plentiful at the meeting due to the Hampton Township Police Department raising $2,000 for the Mrs. Claus Club Pittsburgh North Chapter as part of the “No Shave November” and “Don’t Stop December, January and February” fundraiser.

A bittersweet moment was the announcement of the retirement of Sgt. Robert Kirsopp from the department. Kirsopp served nine years as a sergeant and a total of 26 years on the force.

“Congratulations, Sgt. Kirsopp. You truly exemplify what it means to be a police officer in the community,” said municipal manager Christopher Lochner. He also is retiring, following 37 years with the township.