SPRINGFIELD The Township Council has decided to wait until April to vote on the 2001 budget which includes a 3.37-cent tax increase after learning state aid may be available for unexpected snow removal costs.
By:Vanessa S. Holt
Township auditor Kevin Frenia this week advised postponing action on the budget until the township knows if it can obtain state aid to cover $60,000 in additional snow removal costs.
"The state may give relief on snow removal, or provide additional funding," said Mr. Frenia.
Township officials said the aid would help reduce the number of cuts they have to make in the budget, but would probably not be enough to offset the need for a 3.37-cent tax increase. Currently, the budget sets a proposed tax rate of 36.47 cents per $100 of assessed property, an increase from last year’s rate of 33.1 cents.
The owner of a house assessed at the township average of $150,000 would pay $540 in municipal taxes this year if the $2.6 million budget is approved. About $771,000 will be raised in taxes under the proposed budget.
"We’re operating on a tight budget," said Mayor William Pettit. "We’re doing the best we can."
"If we receive aid for snow removal, that may free up some money," said Mr. Frenia. "We may be able to add things we had to cut."
An additional public hearing may be necessary if there are extensive changes to the amended budget, said Mr. Frenia.
A public hearing was held Monday night but no comments were made by residents attending the meeting. The council is scheduled to vote on an amended budget at 7:30 p.m. on April 9 at their regular monthly meeting.
The council passed an emergency temporary appropriation of $60,000 for snow removals and will submit a copy of the resolution to the state Division of Local Government Services.
The township spends an average of $17,000 to $20,000 each snowstorm for snow removal, said Councilman Peter Sobotka.
There is not a separate line-item for snow removal, which is included under road repairs and maintenance and other expenses in the budget.
