DETURKSVILLE - The Washington Township supervisors approved its 2013 budget at its November meeting that calls for no tax increases.
Property taxes will remain at 3.5 mils, with a per capita tax of $10. Other taxes that remain the same include 0.5 mil each of earned income and realty transfer and a 5 percent amusement tax.
The township has only raised its property tax once in the past 40 years. According to Supervisor Randy Stump, the supervisors increased the rate from 1.5 mills to the current 3.5 mills about five years ago.
Information from Schuylkill County shows the assessed value of township real estate at $60,666,440 and per capitas totaling 2,180.
The $696,123 budget includes general fund revenues of $550,626 and income of $145.497 in the state account. Total expenditures for both accounts were listed at $652,123, plus a reserve for 2013 of $44,000.
In other business, township Secretary Kelly Handling provided information from the county about the Newswanger Road covered bridge in Rock. The township is invited to be part of a proposed structure renovation, maintaining its historical significance.
Meanwhile, an independent firm hired by the state Department of Transportation inspected bridges 20 feet or more in length in the municipality. Supervisor Wendell Gainer said that he had read the more than 300-page report, and he suggested repairs for two bridges, one at Roedersville and the other on Kutz Road. While in need of repairs, neither bridge is at the point where they would have to close to traffic.
Since some work could be done by the township's road crew, Gainer suggested he meet with Roadmaster Gary Neidlinger to discuss the work. Neidlinger agreed the township should be pro-active, and Stump also agreed, suggesting Neidlinger include the bridge work in his schedule for next year.
After the meeting, Stump said of the township's estimated 40 bridges, fewer than 10 span 20 feet.