COAL TOWNSHIP - Homeowners in Coal Township should expect to pay 2 additional mills next year if the general operating budget is officially adopted later this month.
The board of commissioners unanimously passed the 2013 tentative budget at their board meeting Thursday night, increasing the general fund millage from 15 mills to 17 mills.
This will generate approximately $90,000 in additional revenue, the board reported.
The tax bill for an average single homeowner in the township will increase approximately $20 a year, the tax bill for an average half a double- or row-home owner will increase approximately $15 a year and the tax bill for larger, single homes will increase approximately $80 a year, commissioners reported.
The following taxes will remain the same from 2012 to 2013: 1/2 mill, library; 1/2 percent earned income tax; $5, per capita tax; $52, local
service tax; $115, occupation tax; 1 1/2 mill, pension fund tax; and 1 mill, fire protection.
The $2,758,017 budget was balanced with the inclusion of the increased tax revenue and money from capital reserve, which still has money from the sale of the sewer lines a decade ago, the board reported.
Board President Craig Fetterman said special meetings were held with department heads to trim the budget by $67,101 compared to 2012.
"Thanks to you guys for holding the line and saving us money," he said.
He also noted there are big cuts from state and federal government funding local government.
Commissioner Gene Welsh added, "Now if we could only get 100 to 200 people to build houses or bring businesses."
Commissioners Bernie Rumberger and George Zalar made and seconded the motion for the tentative tax increase while Commissioners Rumberger and Welsh made and seconded the motion to adopt the tentative budget, and both motions passed 5-0.
The final budget and tax increase are expected to be adopted at a special meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27.
In other business, the board announced the Coal Township Recycling Center will not collect electronics throughout the winter due to storage issues, but will start collecting them again in March.