No tax increase for Shaler residents

During its regular meeting held on Dec. 14, the Shaler board of commissioners passed the 2022 budget by a unanimous vote.

Overall, the budget has increased revenues of 7.42% and increased expenditures of 13.9%. The total amount of general fund expenditures for 2022 is $14,598,841.

The local property tax millage remains at 3.49.

“The increase in revenues is primarily due to funding from the American Recovery Act, which will be allocated in accordance with the guidelines defined in the funding bill,” said assistant township manager Judith Kording. “This will include storm and sanitary sewer work. This increased funding has allowed us to increase expenditures for these line items so that necessary infrastructure work can be completed.”

Sewage rates have increased from $6.32 per 1,000 gallons to $7.11 per 1,000 gallons effective Jan. 1, 2022. However, the increase will be prorated for usage prior to that on bills that are issued after Jan. 1, according to Shaler officials.

A large part of the sanitary sewage rate increase is due to ongoing corrective action with the goal to remove 10% of the gross flow into sewer systems based on the MS4 Compliance/Pollution Reduction Plan. The plan is mandated to meet EPA and DEP requirements.

Some projects the township has planned for 2022 include the completion of Eagle Canyon Trail, which will connect McElheny and Wetzel roads; parks and recreation upgrades including replacing a shelter located behind the baseball field in Kiwanis Park; and purchasing three new hybrid vehicles for Shaler Police.

The purchase of Jeffrey School will allow the expansion of Kiwanis Park and plans for the area include allowing the expansion of Kiwanis Park and housing the Parks and Recreation Department. Plans are currently still in development, and $180,000 in the general fund is allocated to costs associated with the annex and building.

“We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish with this budget,” said township manager Timothy Rogers. “The Township has no debt, and its employee pensions are fully funded.”