HOMETOWN - Rush Township residents can expect no tax increase and a lower garbage bill in 2012.
However, at Tuesday's meeting, the perceived good news was overshadowed by a discussion about how the township supervisors had reached a balanced budget for next year.
The board adopted the budget at a special meeting Dec. 9. Only two supervisors, Chairman Stephen Simchak and Robert Leibensperger, attended and both voted in favor.
When a motion to approve the minutes of that special meeting came before the board Tuesday, only Leibensperger voted "yes." Simchak was absent from Tuesday's meeting and supervisors Vice Chairman Shawn Gilbert said he did not feel comfortable approving minutes from the Dec. 9 special meeting that he did not attend. He said the 9 a.m. start conflicted with his work schedule and prevented him from being there.
Without rendering a vote, the minutes cannot be approved or made available to the public or media.
Once Gilbert learned this, he changed his mind and voted along with Leibensperger to approve the minutes.
Gilbert still stated his concern that he would be held accountable for any action taken by Simchak and Leibensperger during that special meeting.
When asked by Leibensperger if the board will reopen the 2012 budget once supervisor-elect Jeaninne Motroni takes office in January, Gilbert said it's possible but would not commit either way.
The budget shows estimated revenue of $3,067,605.28 and expenditures at $2,998,735.77. Also, the tax rate remains at 5.62 mills.
In addition, the annual garbage fee will drop from $145 to $130.
The reorganization meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 3 with the regular meeting to follow.
In other business, Hazleton Site Contractors submitted the lowest bid on a storm sewer and paving upgrade project for the Meadow Avenue area. The supervisors agreed on a 2-0 vote to award the contract to the firm at $402,231. Thirteen other companies bid on the project.
The supervisors also awarded a contract to J.B. Electric Corp., Minersville, for $65,269 to purchase an electric generator. The company had the lowest bid of the five submitted.