The Chestnuthill Township supervisors approved the 2013 budget with expenditures totaling $4,059,042, which is an 1.7 percent increase over 2012's budget.

That results in a 1.2 mill tax increase. The millage rate will increase from 4 mills to 5.2 mills. The average property in the township will see a tax increase of approximately $25 for the year, individual increases could be greater or smaller depending on a properties assessed value. For every $25,000 of assessment (1/4 of the assessed value) $130 will be paid in Chestnuthill Township real estate taxes.The budget expenditures total $4,059,042 which is a 1.7 percent increase over 2012's budget. Of that, $753,320, or 19 percent, will be spent for public safety. The road maintenance expenditures are projected to be $1,523,733 or 38 percent of the budget.In a statement made by the Chestnuthill Township supervisors and staff, it states that they "do not take lightly the proposed 1.2 mill tax increase which is necessary to balance the 2013 budget. The tax rate held at 4 mills since 2006 despite a 40+ percent increase in paving cost and a 55+ percent increase in fuel cost. Over the last six years the Township has downsized its entire workforce 20 percent and cut costs where it could while maintaining the quality of service residents have come to expect. Other financial factors include a significant reduction in grants for State mandated sewage enforcement and recycling programs."$753,320 or 19 percent will be spent for public safety. The road maintenance expenditures are projected to be $1,523,733 or 38 percent of the budget.The township has established a capital improvements fund in the 2013 budget "in order to maintain our bridges and other long term infrastructure. This fund will provide the Township with a source of matching funds for grant applications for costly infrastructure upgrades.The statement also talks about the township's cooperation with Burnley Workshop to expand recycling opportunities for its residents."New for 2013 we are allowing residents to bring fluorescent light bulbs to the facility for recycling. Transfer Station/Recycling Center improvements include the purchase of a generator to allow for continued operation during power outages. As always the Township is striving to keep disposal costs low while increasing the number of items which can be recycled at no cost the residents.If there are any questions about the budget and fiscal plan, please contact David Albright, the township manager.