Foster Township supervisors passed a 2019 budget Monday night that called for taxes to remain the same as 2018.
The property tax rate will remain 5 mills on each dollar assessed, or .005 cents on each $100 assessed.
Total expenses and total revenue in the 2019 budget each equal $6,063,100.55.
There will be a discount of 2 percent levied on property taxes paid during the discount period, and a penalty of 5 percent levied on property taxes paid during the penalty period.
After the meeting, Supervisor Carl McCracken explained they were looking to be “fiscally responsible” when they developed the budget.
He and Supervisor Chairman George Hocker were pleased with completing projects such as having all the major arteries in the township repaved and performing sewer work. The township has set money aside for bridgework.
“You should see our accounts rising next year,” Hocker said, explaining that major projects have already been paid for.
Also at the meeting, Hocker said sewer rates will remain the same for residents, too. The township will be paying down debt from past projects. He added that some revenue has been set aside for bridges that need replaced.
Bridges on Harrisburg Run and Fairview Heights need replaced.
In other news, the state has postponed the deadline by which the township has to use grant money for a new traffic light at the intersection of East Main Street and Derrick Road.
To use the $65,000 grant, the township was supposed to have the project completed and finalized by June 2019. The project was bid out twice, and both times the sole contractor submitted a bid that was higher than the township was able to pay.
An extension for the grant has been permitted until December 2019, said Hocker.
The project is to be rebid in early spring, according to Secretary/Treasurer Shannon Morgan.
Hocker updated the group on a zoning project township officials have been working on. He said payment is being held from the company who helped until a representative from the company comes to the township office.
“That’s the only way I know to get them back,” he said.
The project included rezoning the township and drawing a new map.
Supervisor Gus Crissman brought up a new turnaround that was built on Bordell Road.
There is a “No Dumping” sign posted in the middle of the turnaround, and three feet behind the sign are three deer carcasses.
“I don’t know if the camera will show that or not, but we’re going to pursue it,” Crissman said, indicating they plan to find out who left the deer parts. “We’re not going to put up with that.”
Hocker ended the meeting by mentioning a recent road project on East Main Street and Bolivar Drive, saying the township “more than likely” has a good case against the company who did the project.
Hocker explained after the meeting that a microseal that was put down did not stay in place, and the township was looking for reimbursement. The township had tried a new process in place of tar and chip.
He wanted motorists to know there is nothing wrong with the road itself.
“The road is perfect,” Hocker said.
A work session scheduled for Dec. 20 has been canceled.
