In what has become the norm rather than the exception, residents who live in Lower Towamensing Township will again see no increase in their property tax rates next year.

The township's board of supervisors unanimously agreed on Tuesday to adopt the 2012 budget with no increase in taxes, which will leaves the property tax rate unchanged at 1.6 mills.For taxpayers that own a home valued at $100,000, which would be assessed at $50,000, they will again pay $80 to the township in property taxes.Next year's budget shows revenue at $1,840,899, and expenditures of $703,050. The township anticipates a final balance of $1,302,478.As part of the budget, the township's five employees will receive a 3-percent increase, while the township's contribution rate of the local services tax to the Aquashicola Fire Department has been increased from 28 to 30 percent.However, faced with a $473 deficit in the light fund, the township will raise the rate 10 cents, from 25 to 35 cents per front foot. The average person with a 50-foot frontage will see a $5 increase, while a person with a 30-foot frontage will see about a $3 increase.The budget is available for public inspection at the township municipal building.This year, supervisors approved a 2 percent raise in salary for township employees, as well as a $1 an hour raise for road foreman Charles Shupp and a 50 cent an hour raise for road administrator Kathy Wallace. Also as part of that budget, senior citizens received a $10 discount on their garbage fees.In 2010, supervisors approved a budget that left the property tax rate unchanged, and also called for a 2 percent raise in salary for township employees.In 2009, supervisors passed a budget that kept taxes in check, and included a 5 percent raise in the light tax, which raised the rate from 25 cents to 30 cents per front foot for Aquashicola residents who lived within 250 feet of a street light.Also as part of that budget, supervisors increased the township's contribution rate of the local services tax to the Aquashicola Fire Department, from 25 percent to 28 percent.In other business, supervisors:- Agreed to retain Kirk, Summa, & Co. LLP, as township auditor, in the amount of $5,500.- Adopted a resolution for the hazard mitigation plan.- Approved the Girl Scouts 100th year anniversary campout on May 12, 2012, and granted them permission to build a shoot archery and have a campfire.- Purchased a tar buggy for $650.- Approved two garbage exemptions.- Announced it will hold its reorganizational meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 3. That will also serve as the township's monthly meeting.