Schuylkill Township residents won't see an increase in municipal tax rate next year.

That's after the township's board of supervisors earlier this month unanimously approved the 2017 budget with no increase in the millage rate.Next year's spending plan will leave the millage rate in check at 10.22 mills.Resident Christine Verdier asked whether the budget was changed from the copy she received last month, and received clarification on some line items that were different or moved.Verdier said she wanted to make the residents aware that 1 mill in the township only brings in $11,000, and that if the maintenance budget is already over $16,000 as of Oct. 31, then residents are looking at a 1.5-mill increase to cover for additional expenses in November and December.She was also concerned that there was not enough money in the police budget left over for any emergencies, such as if Middleport would decide to pull out of their contract, if something happened to the car, or if they needed additional radios or equipment.Police Chief Frank DiMarco reassured Verd-ier that some money was carried over from last year that was not used.Public commentVerdier also thanked the board for the new flag at the ballpark, and for putting the video of the meeting on the township website to make it easier for the residents to watch.Zoning officer Paul Benulis also thanked the board for all the improvements, and encouraged residents to focus on the positives, rather than finding fault with everything.He also asked the board to reconsider installing the LED streetlights to prevent more crimes.Resident Joseph Leskin asked that stop signs be reinstalled near his neighborhood to slow people down, as he has complained before that there's a lot of dangerous speeding going on. He also asked what has been done regarding his request and suggestion that the board would install microphones and speakers for the meetings.Fabrizio presented a few system options that cost more than $1,200, but the board suggested looking into it more for more affordable options.In other action• The roadmaster report disclosed that the township will receive $6,036 from FEMA for January's storm Jonas.• The board agreed to send a letter of intent to the Council of Governments for a Regional Police Study.• DiMarco said that any ordinance violation complaints need to be submitted in writing, and that no anonymous complaints will be accepted for prosecuting and enforcing the code in court.They need a witness, a victim and documentation to quantify that there has been a code violation, he said.• The board agreed to donate $500 to the Tamaqua Public Library.• The board approved the annual budget resolution 2016-5, as well as the $300 website renewal fee to be paid on Jan. 24.• The board agreed to sell the township's old jeep to DiMarco for fair market value of junk price. DiMarco said if the township needs parts for the new jeep, it is welcome to get it from the old jeep at his place.• The board approved a resolution for the Revision of Grant program for Tuscarora Waterline.• The board tabled the review and approval of a resolution for driveway permits and fees until next meeting.• Benulis encouraged the residents to call him for any zoning questions or concerns at 570-599-6682.