ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township supervisors unanimously approved a $1.3 million budget Tuesday night calling for a 1-mill property tax increase that will require the average homeowner to pay an additional $20 to $25 in 2013.
One mill in the township is equivalent to approximately $50,000.
Making the motion to approve the budget were Supervisors Daniel Williams and Blaine Madara. Also approving the spending plan were Supervisors Stephen Major, Vince Daubert and Chairman William "Chip" Wetzel.
The budget total is about the same as last year's and is split up into the following real estate taxes: General purposes, 4 1/4 mill; fire protection, 1/2 mill; equipment, 1/2 mill; library, 1/4 mill, and street lighting, (depending on location) .20, .21, .32 or $6.17.
General fund anticipated receipts total $1,311,620, while expenditures are listed at $1,302,181, leaving a projected surplus of $9,439.
State funding receipts total $212,497, while expenditures are listed at $178,900, leaving a projected surplus of $33,597.
Supervisors also passed a resolution re-enacting the following Act 511 taxes: Per capita, $5; occupation, 100 percent; real estate transfer, 1 percent; earned income, 1 percent; LST, $52 on earnings exceeding $12,000; TV franchise, 2 percent, and mechanical amusement, $50 per machine.
Supervisors approved a purchase for six tires for a Ford 550 truck.
The board granted permission to Meadowview Christian School to use the township gym from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 11, Jan. 25, Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 8 and March 22.
Supervisors thanked Drug Plastics & Glass Company for donating a water fountain for the municipal building. The water fountain in the gym area is expected to be repaired today.
The board approved its regular monthly meeting dates for 2013 for the planning commission and supervisors. The supervisors' meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, while the planning commission sessions will be conducted at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The board of supervisors will hold its reorganization meeting Jan. 7, while the planning commission will hold its reorganization meeting Jan. 8.
An executive session was held at the end of the meeting to discuss litigation matters.