Springdale Township final budget passes with no tax hike

Springdale Township Commissioners last week approved a nearly $1.2 million budget for next year that keeps the real estate tax rate at 6.50 mills.

It includes a $221,500 carryover from this year.

Spending will increase by $40,000 for the township’s share in the Allegheny Valley Regional Police department. The township shares police costs with East Deer and Cheswick.

The biggest issue in the budget might be the $350,000 earmarked for new water meters. Officials believe the township loses a considerable amount of money with leaky pipes and aging, inaccurate water meters.

Water costs are generally supported by the water fund but some money targeted for road improvements may be needed for the water meters.

Officials said they did not formulate a wish list for summer paving and won’t do so until the cost of the new water meters has been determined.

The township buys most of its water from the Harmar Water Authority and some from Cheswick.

A total of $516,000 will be set aside for public works costs, including salaries, supplies and road maintenance.

The state liquid fuels reimbursement will have a $52,000 carryover, and $44,000 is expected in 2023. From that, $36,000 will be used for snow removal and $21,000 for street lights.

A $200,000 payment to the Allegheny Valley Joint Sanitary Authority will come from a separate sewage fund.

The budget passed by a 3-0 vote, with commissioners Mariana Burns, Timothy Basilone and Bradley Stanzione voting in favor. Commissioners Anthony Rozzano and Jacqueline Karan were absent.