New benches, pathway sole improvements planned in Aleppo this year

New benches and a pathway at the greenspace off Weber Road are the extent of Aleppo’s planned improvements this year that are included in a no-frills 2025 budget of $1.47 million.

The spending plan keeps taxes the same. It forgoes road maintenance projects to save $150,000 that will go toward a substantial project in 2027, according to township manager Gwen Patterson.

In 2024, nearly $600,000 was spent on tar and chipping township roads, she said.

Borough officials have also planned no capital purchases.

The property tax rate will remain 3.5 mills. One mill generates approximately $166,000 in revenue.

It has been more than a decade since the township raised taxes.

Projected revenue includes $575,000 in real property taxes, $432,000 in Act 511 taxes, including earned income and local services; $212,000 in intergovernmental monies, $83,000 in interest/rents/royalties, $36,000 in licenses/permits, $12,460 in charges for services, and $11,000 in miscellaneous revenues and other funding sources.

Projected spending includes $293,000 for public works, $231,500 for administration, $160,000 for fire protection, $150,800 for waste collection, $128,000 for police, $55,000 for engineering, $50,000 for legal services, $40,000 for legislative expenses, $39,000 for building/property maintenance, $25,000 for emergency management, $18,000 for parks and recreation, $17,000 for tax collection and $11,000 for planning/zoning.

There are no cuts to programs or services.

Sewage rates through the Aleppo Township Municipal Authority also remain the same as last year.

The vote to pass the budget and set the millage rate was 4-0 on Dec. 16.

Commission vice president Arthur Williams was absent.

“I’m pleased that everything passed as proposed,” Patterson said. “We’re looking forward to the new year and hopefully continuing to serve our residents in the way that they need us.”

Commission president George Jones echoed Patterson’s comments and said crafting the budget was a team effort.

“Manager Patterson and the board look forward to providing services consistent with prior years to Aleppo Township residents,” Jones said. “Finances and special projects will be reviewed in early spring following revenue and expense data in the first quarter.”

The budget is available for review at the township office, 100 North Drive.

Board appointments

Commissioners also filled these board vacancies:

• Glenn Baggley to the municipal authority board for a five-year term ending December 2029.

• Ronald Lawrence was appointed to the zoning hearing board for a three-year term ending December 2027.

• Sally Shipley was appointed as the vacancy board chair for a one-year term expiring at the end of this year.

There is a vacancy on the planning commission. The four-year term expires at the end of 2028. Residents can submit resumes and letters of interest for the volunteer position to the township office.