South Buffalo supervisors to hold line on taxes in 2022 budget

South Buffalo officials plan to hold the line on taxes with next year’s budget.

Supervisors approved a 2022 preliminary spending plan and its public posting Monday night.

Its formal adoption is scheduled for Dec. 20.

The real estate tax rate is expected to remain at 5.7 mills. There has not been a township tax hike in at least 12 years.

Supervisor Chairman Joseph Charlton said hard work by the administration and elected leaders helped South Buffalo avoid tax increases while continuing to provide services and make significant upgrades over the years.

“We’ve been very vigilant in cutting unnecessary expenses, reviewing our contracts in an effort to save money and then allocating those savings toward future capital improvements and equipment purchases,” Charlton said. “We all have that same mindset, and we work well together.”

Supervisors also commended Roadmaster Lawn Knappenberger and Assistant Roadmaster Dan Swartzlander for coming up with projects that saved the township money.

“They’re working smart,” Charlton said. “They’re doing (projects) in phases that make sense. The coordination of the projects is fantastic.”

The proposed general fund is balanced at about $942,000, an increase of about $25,000 from the current budget.

Next year’s spending plan includes a 4% raise for township employees, excluding the police department. Public safety salaries were adjusted last month.

There also is $20,000 allocated for capital improvements and $20,000 toward police cars and equipment.

“Although $20,000 doesn’t cover a police car, every year we put money away so, when it comes time, we can keep them in safe vehicles,” Supervisor Paul Bergad said.

The township purchased a $200,000 dump truck/plow truck and a $53,000 police car this year. It also hired a new police officer and public works employee.

Capital improvements largely are going toward township building repairs.

Charlton said increased maintenance costs are among the reasons the township put in a bid to purchase an Indiana University of Pennsylvania building this year.

Should the $400,000 proposal be approved, the plan is to turn the branch campus in the Northpointe Industrial Park into a municipal center with township offices, police department and community meeting spaces.

“Basically, the (current) building is nickel-and-diming us,” Charlton said. The offer was submitted last month.

So far, officials said they have not received an official response.

Preliminary budget documents estimate $243,600 for public safety, $282,000 for public works, $1,000 for parks and recreation, $45,000 for pension obligations and $168,000 for general government spending, including legal services, engineering services and office staff wages.

The proposed budget is available for review at the township office, 384 Iron Bridge Road.

Supervisors also approved the allocation of about $263,600 in American Rescue Plan funds.

It will be spent on installing about a mile of new waterlines along Curren and McVille roads. The project will impact at least 30 houses.

Township officials said project details still need to be worked out.