The Farmington Township Board of Supervisors anticipate raising real estate taxes by one mill in 2023, splitting the revenue the increase generates between ambulance service providers and the fire department.
The township will also increase monthly water and sewerage service base rates by 50 cents to keep up with operating and maintenance costs.
Township secretary Robin Kahle said the one-mill tax increase will generate about $15,000 each for ambulance services and the Farmington Township Volunteer Fire Department.
In all, Sherbine and fellow supervisors Chuck Gilbert and Dave Crise tentatively approved a general fund budget and budgets for the township’s water and sewerage services all totaling more than $1.4 million.
General fund
Anticipated income includes $200,000 in earned income tax payments; $159,000 in real estate tax income; $15,200 in state payments in lieu of taxes; $28,893 in state pension aid; $10,800 in state fire relief; $1,500 in fine revenue; $5,000 in Act 13 revenues; and $3,000 in workers compensation insurance rebates.
Total local revenue is estimated at $497,293.
Some anticipated expenditures in 2022 include $209,688 for selected employee, supervisors and other salaries and benefits; $25,900 for fire safety; $23,000 for non-healthcare insurance; $16,000 for township building utilities; and $2,000 for the community park.
Total general fund expenditures are anticipated at $462,154.
State funding
The 2023 state road account anticipates $213,267 in state funding for roads. The township also anticipates $3,000 in interest earnings.
Anticipated spending from the state fund for various road repair, maintenance and related costs is set at $243,850.
Water service
Farmington Township anticipates $760,900 in water account revenues, including $434,000 in customer user payments; $1,200 in tap-in fees and $500 in bad debt collection.
Water account expenditures for the upcoming year include $168,000 in water purchases from Pennsylvania American Water Co.; $26,200 for water plant operator wages; $10,000 for repairs and maintenance; and $3,500 for utilities.
Total water account expenses are anticipated at $338,773.
Sewerage service
The township anticipates $325,200 in revenues for the sewerage system, including $318,300 in user fees; $6,000 in tap-in fees; $400 in interest earnings; and $500 in bad debt collection.
Expenditures for the sewerage account in 2023 include $176,271 for debt service; $25,000 for repairs and maintenance; $47,300 for plant operator wages; $30,000 for utilities; $30,000 for operating supplies; and $50,000 for minor equipment.
Total expenses for the sewerage account are $390,821.
The tentative approval opens the proposed budget to public review and comment.
Final adoption of the spending plan is expected in December.
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