MAR LIN - The Norwegian Township supervisors approved a preliminary budget at Monday night's meeting.
"There's no increases in taxes for 2013," supervisor Bob Kirwan said.
Taxes have not increased in years, supervisors said.
The millage will remain at 2.73 mills. The proposed $742,395 budget is available for public review at the township office, 506 Maple Ave. Mar Lin. It is scheduled for adoption noon Dec. 28. The 2012 budget was $804,919.
Meanwhile, the supervisors are still waiting for the municipal building to be finished. An extension was granted Oct. 31 until Nov. 30. It is supposed to be completed by Dec. 15, the supervisors were told. Included in the project is the conversion of about 20 feet by 40 feet of the current meeting room into an office area, construction of a small lobby area, changes to the hallway and other small renovations.
Monday's meeting was held in the garage.
"I hope to get it done while I'm still young," supervisor Leo Grace said of the work done at the building.
Looking into an office in the building, lights hanging from the ceiling can be seen. According to officials, further lights need to be installed and the floor finished.
After the meeting, Kirwan said the project cost would be less than the $195,000 previously reported. That number was whittled down from the $225,955 bid awarded in June.
Kirwan said he spoke with project engineer Donald M. Cuff, Entech Engineering, Pottsville, and was told the project will be finished by Dec. 15. No reason was given for the delay nor did Kirwan ask, he said.
In other news, the two fire hydrants at Kings Village Plaza do not work. Township solicitor B.J. Evans will draft a letter to the owner of the plaza telling him he must fix the issue. Letters were sent to the owner with no success, supervisors said. "It's a danger for the merchants of the mall," Kirwan said.
"It could be a catastrophe if there's a fire with these restaurants you never know," Petchulis said.
Supervisors also appointed Keith Tokonitz to the seat vacated by former planning and zoning commission member Cindy Petchulis. He will serve the remainder of her term. Several people had expressed interest in the position.
Evans said the borough is closing on the refinance loan for the sewer system Dec. 14. The township will save money by switching from the Rural Utilities Service from the government to the First National Bank of Minersville.