No tax increase planned in Gilpin
Gilpin residents won’t see a township property tax increase next year.
The tax rate is expected to remain at 11 mills.
Township supervisors recently approved their preliminary 2023 budget, which includes $810,300 in projected revenues.
“Far too long has the Public Works Department and its equipment been put on the back burner,” Supervisor Chairman Charles Stull said. “The township is incurring large repair costs on a normal basis, and equipment needs to be replaced to alleviate this issue.”
The budget calls for the purchase of a new truck and the allocation of funds toward a new tractor, Stull said.
Repair costs this year for the township’s tractor and truck have exceeded $10,000.
“In the last three years, these two pieces of equipment have cost the township more than $30,000 in repairs,” Stull said.
The township ordered a new, $109,000 truck with an expected delivery date by the end of next year.
“The board felt it best to budget for the truck and get it ordered and put it aside until payments begin at delivery,” Stull said.
The fund balance — what’s left over from this year’s funds — is expected to be about $109,000 heading into 2023.
“It’s my hope to budget a portion of our surplus into savings for the future prior to a final budget being passed. The more we have in savings, the less loans we have to take out in the future and future boards may not be burdened with tight budgets.”
Supervisors are expected to vote on a final budget at the Dec. 28 meeting.
Supervisor Linda Alworth praised the budget and the collaboration among supervisors.
“I have watched everyone sit for hours to make a decision on one line item. Some decisions take days, if not months, to make. I love sitting back watching the discussions by this younger, progressive generation who is fiscally responsible and really care about their constituents. Everyone there cares about their community and wants it to thrive.”
The proposed budget is available for review at the township office at 589 Route 66 and online at gilpintwp.com/budget.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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