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Politics & Government

East Pikeland Approves 2011 Budget With No Tax Hike

The township's Board of Supervisors believe that the municipality has "kept the house in order" while other communities have struggled.

The East Pikeland Board of Supervisors unanimously passed its 2011 fiscal budget during its regular meeting on Dec. 14.

The township's real estate tax rate will remain at last year's figure of .58 mills, generating $314,500 in revenues. That means for each $100,000 of assessed value, East Pikeland property owners will be responsible for paying $58 in property tax in 2011.

East Pikeland will fund most of its expenses through PA Act 511 taxes on real estate transfers, earned income and local services, totaling $1,190,000. Other sources of revenue include licensing fees, intergovernmental grants and contracted service charges such as snow removal and zoning fees.

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Total estimated revenue for the fiscal year, plus a beginning general funds cash balance of $192,000, equals $2,286,000.

Total expenditures for the year are also estimated at $2,286,000 with the biggest costs coming from $854,500 in police department expenses, $360,900 in professional and legal services, and $304,600 in public works.

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East Pikeland Supervisor Chairman Ronald Graham stated that the township was in "relatively good shape" economically compared to other municipalities in the state.

"While we are very mindful of what we spend we haven't had to make any draconian cuts to essential services," said Graham. "Our roads will be paved, and our police officers will be on duty."

Graham also stated that although the township has not enacted a hiring freeze, no new municipal employees have been hired in the past year, nor are any expected to be this year.

Capital funds for the new fiscal year are at a balance of $2,337,320, and an estimated $2,500 from interest and grants is expected to accrue.

 More than $318,000 in expenses for road and bridge repair, loan interest, and improvements on municipal properties is slated to come out of the capital fund.

 

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