Foster Township officials are not expecting a tax increase to property owners in 2020.
Supervisor Chairman George Hocker shared a few highlights from the preliminary budget. Hocker said there is no increase in sewer rates, and he told The Era after meeting that supervisors do not plan to increase taxes, either.
The township will be able to absorb increasing sewer costs, so sewer fees won’t rise. However, the cost for equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) — sewer hook-ups — has increased. The township has $60,000 in sewer repairs slated for 2020, and an additional $500,000 will go toward a PENNVEST loan it has.
Under general funds, there will be a wage increase of 2 to 2 ½ percent. The preliminary budget calls for an increase of $25,000 for improvements to be made to the municipal building.
He noted that the projected police budget will be lower than last year. The road department has a capital purchase planned in 2020.
The township has set aside enough next year to have a $550,000 grant match for two bridge repairs. The township has an impact fee of $125,000 that can be used for bridges if they need it.
The supervisors passed a motion to advertise that the budget will be available for public review for 20 days.
They will vote on the 2020 budget in December.
Also at the meeting, Hocker announced that a work session will be held at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21 regarding the township’s updated zoning map. A McKean County employee will be in attendance, too, to provide information.
Supervisors Gus Crissman and Chip McCracken explained after the meeting that they are trying to see if they can get names and addresses added to each parcel on the map.
One township couple attended the meeting to voice concerns about the condition of a neighboring East Main Street property.
According to the man, the property owner told township officials in April that he would make the home “the best looking house on East Main Street.” However, the house looks even worse now, the man said.
Among the complaints the couple brought up is that property owner tore the siding down, leaving the insulation exposed; buried garbage along the foundation; and left unwanted items on the curb. Also, the neighbors allege that two or three people are illegally living in a trailer on the property.
Hocker explained the limits township officials have to enforce property upkeep. For instance, the property owner has a building permit, and the state says they only need to do one task a month to keep the permit active, Hocker explained.
“I can’t override the state guidelines,” he said.
Additionally, the complaints are not enough to cite property owners; they have to prove allegations.
They plan to have police check on the home periodically.
Hocker told the couple that the best thing they can do to keep the process continuing is to document issues and turn them in, as the township works on a complaint basis.
The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 — a week later than originally scheduled — due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
