Buffalo Township supervisors pass $2.8 million budget with 9% tax increase

Homeowners in Buffalo Township will be paying 9% more in property taxes next year.

Township supervisors recently approved the tax hike as part of the township’s $2.8 million budget for 2022.

The millage will increase from 5.5 to 6 mills.

Township real estate taxes for an average home, assessed at $20,760, will increase by $11 for a total township tax bill of $125 in 2022.

Supervisors unanimously adopted the budget, agreeing to the 0.5-mill tax hike.

Supervisors Chairman Ron Zampogna II said the additional $30,000 from the tax increase “is badly needed.”

He said the supervisors needed to raise taxes to pay for higher expenses across the board, including health care, salaries, equipment maintenance and other expenses.

Projected revenue of $2.78 million for 2022 is exceeded by expenses, which are estimated at $2.806 million.

To make up the shortfall, the township will pull about $26,000 from its cash on hand at the end of December.

The 2022 budget’s projected revenues include $415,000 in real estate taxes; $1.6 million in Act 511 taxes, including $120,000 in the Local Services Tax; $7,200 in business licenses and permits; $12,000 in fines and forfeits; $101,000 in rents and royalties; and $168,800 in intergovernmental revenue.

Major expenses for 2022 are $1.035 million for public safety, including $575,000 in wages and $25,000 toward a new police car; $292,000 for general government, including $50,000 for engineering and $35,000 for legal services; $552,000 for public works; and $712,000 for miscellaneous expenditures including various insurances.