No tax hike in Schuylkill Township
Schuylkill Township residents will not be facing any tax increases or rate hikes in 2010. Supervisors approved their final budget at last night's meeting holding the current millage at 10.22. They anticipate $414,000 in revenues and $398,000 in expenditures for the year.
The Board of Supervisors and residents also heard a brief presentation from Steve Williams and Jeff Sergent from InfraSource Underground Construction Services, LLC. The two discussed plans to run a fiber optic line from Carteret, N.J., to Cleveland, Ohio, that will pass through the township. The announcement generated excitement from the residents, who are hopeful that this may finally allow them to improve their telecommunication options, including DSL.
"Does this mean we can throw away our string and can," asked one resident. According to several residents, they are limited to what can currently be provided by the local cable company, as other telecommunication carriers have denied requests to extend services due to installation costs.
Williams explained that the line will be carrier neutral, and it will be up to individual companies if they decide to utilize the system, but that it can be done. He also explained that the project will provide what he called a "telecommunication backbone" for the entire State.
In other matters, resident Barry Stortz brought an ineffectual fire hydrant to the attention of the supervisors. The matter came to light after a recent fire in Tuscarora. "The Tuscarora Fire Company did a fine job at the fire, but I was appalled that right across the street is a fire plug that was not usable. I'm glad they had a plan in effect. They brought the tankers in," he said. Supervisor Linda DeCindio explained that due to the age of the water lines in Tuscarora, they cannot be used for fire water. "The newer trucks pump so much out, they'll blow out every line in Tuscarora," she said. DeCindio said that they had contacted Blythe Water Authority about the situation, but were told that the current lines will need to be upgraded before they can adequately supply fire water. Supervisor Maureen Vanek explained that the township had gotten grants to replace water lines in Newkirk and Brockton; however, there is not currently any funding available for any more replacements. "We have applied for a grant, but now we have to wait," she said.
Township police chief Frank DiMarco advised the supervisors that the police department will be getting a $1500 grant in mid-December. "That will pay for uniforms and anything else the department needs," he said. DiMarco also recommended that the supervisors start looking for a replacement for the Township's police vehicle. "Nothing fancy, something simple," he said. "We have all the equipment that we can transfer over." DiMarco also recommended dealing with a local dealer, as they can use the current vehicle as a trade-in.
The Supervisors also approved the hiring of Attorney Joseph Matika as the solicitor for the zoning board. They appointed Bill McMullen as the township's zoning officer and appointed John Bashago, Charles Stancavage, and Henry Shoener to the newly formed zoning board. The supervisors also commended Mary Ellen Roman for her volunteer efforts on behalf of the flag collection and welcomed back supervisor Joe Boran.
The reorganizational meeting will be held on Monday, January 4th at 6 p.m., with the regular monthly meeting following.
