West Deer adopts 2020 budget without tax increase

West Deer Supervisors on Wednesday adopted a $6.5 million budget for 2020 that keeps the property tax rate at 2.99 mills.

At that rate, the owner of a median-priced home of $115,650 would owe $345.79 in taxes, the same as this year.

The biggest line item in the budget calls for spending $2.3 million on the public works department. Of that, $1 million will go toward street paving.

Township streets scheduled for paving work include Mueller, Orchard, Larch, Fir, Elm and West Deer streets; Eisele Drive; Rittman, Blanchard and Hemphill roads; Maple Avenue; Cedar Lane; and 14th Alley.

The township set aside nearly $1.9 million for police protection, including money for wages and to buy two Ford Interceptor police SUVs to patrol the 28.5-square-mile township.

Supervisors budgeted $15,000 for demolishing run-down buildings.

The state liquid fuels tax reimbursement will be $200,000 next year.

Board shrinks from 7 to 5

Wednesday’s meeting was the final one to be held with seven members on the township’s board of supervisors.

West Deer voters last year chose to reduce the board to five members, with four representing geographical districts and one serving as an at-large member.

Supervisors serving their last meeting were Dr. Richard DiSanti, Joyce Romig and Gerry Vaerewyck. All three received plaques from the township recognizing them for their service.