Aleppo property owners will not have to pay more in real estate taxes to support the township’s 2026 budget.
Commissioners unanimously voted Dec. 22 to pass next year’s spending plan and maintain the tax rate at 3.5 mills.
The last time taxes were changed was in the 2014 budget — which was a decrease from 4 mills to the current rate.
One mill generates about $166,000 in revenue.
The budget remained unchanged from its proposed form in November.
Projected revenues and expenses were listed at about $1.52 million.
Expected income includes about $550,000 in real estate taxes, $438,000 in Act 511 taxes, including earned income, $298,400 in intergovernmental revenues, $88,700 in transfers from other funds, $83,000 in interest/rents/royalties, $36,000 in licenses/permits and $17,000 in charges for services.
Expected spending includes about $294,000 for public works, $237,000 for administration, including salaries, supplies and insurance, $211,000 for transfers to other funds, $164,400 for fire protection, $155,000 for police, $55,000 for engineering, $50,000 for legal services, $40,000 for legislative costs, $18,000 for sewers and $16,000 for tax collection.
Confidence is at a high level in the municipal office following the budget passing.
Township Manager Gwen Patterson said everyone works diligently year-round to ensure taxpayer funds are managed responsibly.
“It’s always good to get the end of the year things wrapped up,” Patterson said Dec. 23. “We feel pretty good about the budget that was passed and looking forward to continuing to serve the residents next year. We keep a close eye on the budget every month and a close eye on the finances every month. We try to make sure we don’t have any surprises at the end of the year.”
Next year’s budget contains no cuts to programs or services. There are also no major paving or park upgrades planned for 2026.
Township officials said they are saving up for future projects and touted recent infrastructure accomplishments.
The township recently spent about $529,000 on emergency repairs for Rhodes Avenue.
There were a pair of contracts to stabilize the hillside and stop the roadway from sliding.
They included about $119,000 for Stefanik’s Next Generation Contracting Co. to do site support work involving guiderails, hauling, paving and other labor. Access Limited was paid about $410,000 for a soil nail and reinforced shortcrete stabilization system.
Projected savings in the new year include $160,000 for paving, $18,000 for parks and $51,000 toward future truck/equipment purchases.
The budget is available for review on the township’s website and at the office, 100 North Drive.
Appointments made
Commissioners also voted Dec. 22 to reappoint residents to various boards and commissions.
• Rick Starr was reappointed to the Aleppo Township Authority Board for a five-year term ending Dec. 31, 2030.
• Fred Gregorich was reappointed to the planning commission for a four-year term ending Dec. 31, 2029.
• Louis Hasson was reappointed to the zoning hearing board for a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2028.
• Sally Shipley was reappointed as vacancy board chair for a one-year term ending Dec. 31, 2026.
In other business
• The township’s Christmas tree recycling day is Jan. 5.
Residents are encouraged to haul their trees to the curb by 8 a.m. Public works crews will collect and mulch the trees. No registration is necessary.
• Patterson said the township is exploring community events like Touch-a-Truck, a day in which families can explore Aleppo emergency and public works vehicles and mingle with their operators. It may take place in the spring or the summer.
• Township officials also had initial discussions about creating a policy addressing requests for support for proposed federal and state legislation. Patterson said parts of the policy would include a review of the legislation and determining if it would benefit the township as a whole.
More policy discussion is expected in the coming months. There is no specific timeline to adopt the policy.
