Valley Officials Approve Budget with Real Estate Tax Hike
By Danielle Lynch, Daily Local News
January 10, 2010
VALLEY — Township supervisors recently approved the 2010 budget which includes a real estate tax hike — the first increase in more than 20 years.
"We didn't have much of choice," said Supervisors' Chairwoman Patrice Proctor, adding that township officials have been considering an increase in taxes for a long time. "We waited until we couldn't wait any longer."
The Board of Supervisors approved the 2010 budget at $2.9 million on Dec. 28. This reflects a 13 percent increase over the 2009 budget, according to Karen Chandler, township secretary and treasurer.
The tax rate was raised to 1.5 mills, with one mill equal to $1 in tax for every $1,000 in assessed property value. An average taxpayer with a home assessed at $110,005 would therefore generate a municipal tax bill of $165 — an increase of $68 dollars over the prior year.
The previous millage rate was 0.88 mills and the average homeowner in Valley paid about $97 in municipal real estate taxes.
Township officials said the increase in taxes was necessary due to the decline in construction which provides less transfer tax receipts.
In addition, the tax hike was needed to provide the Westwood Fire Company with an increased allocation from $50,000 to $160,000.
Proctor noted that the increase in allocation to the fire company was necessary for the purchase of a new pumper truck. She said the money will also go toward creating paid personnel positions on the ambulance crew. The volunteer fire company and ambulance personnel have been staffed by volunteers to date.
The 2010 budget provides for the repair of Red Road and Laurel's Way culvert due to a $400,000 grant from the county. Supervisors also decided to continue with a $25,000 allocation toward a new township building and $50,000 toward the planning and bidding process of a new vehicle storage building and salt shed.
The township police department will also purchase a new SUV and the Public Works Department will acquire a new plow truck.
Additionally, township officials allocated $27,000 toward a new trash truck. A new recycling truck will be purchased if the state department of environmental protection awards the township a recycling grant, officials said.
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For the past five years, Chiefs Sly and McWilliams have been working closely with the Township Board of Supervisors to justify the financial needs of the Fire Company.
While the Fire Company has operated solely on fundraisers for the past 62 years, the current economic situation has significantly impacted our revenue. However, fundraising will still be a major dependency of our Fire Company in order to continue to operate as a cost effective service to the community.
We would like to THANK the Valley Township Board of Supervisors for their continued support and cooperation with the Fire Company for the best interest of the community!
Valley Township Supervisors recently passed a tax increase for the municipality which will directly affect the Fire Company
