Franklin to maintain tax rate with no increase

For the eighth year in a row, Franklin Township residents are likely not to see an increase in their municipal taxes.

The township’s board of supervisors unanimously agreed on Tuesday to grant tentative adoption of the 2018 budget.

If the township approves next year’s budget without a tax increase, it would leave the millage rate at 7.64 mills.

The budget also calls for no increase in the garbage or sewer rates.

It includes 6.3 mills for general purposes, 0.537 mills for the capital reserve building fund, and 0.800 mills for the fire hydrant fund for properties within 780 feet of fire hydrants.

Secretary Brenda Neeb said the township has to pay the borough of Lehighton because they own the fire hydrants and the water lines in the township.

She said the township pays Lehighton a $930 monthly fee — or $11,160 for the year — for a rental of those hydrants, of which there are between 23-25.

Neeb said the township will look to add another full-time patrolman to its police force, as well as to get computers installed in their police vehicles.

The last time residents saw a tax increase was in 2010, when taxes were raised by a half mill.

Supervisors plan to grant the budget final adoption when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19.