Walker Township Supervisors voted to advertise the final version of the 2023 budget, a total amount of $606,866.

“No tax increase,” Supervisor Chairman Craig Wagner emphasized.

There were some higher expenses listed.

Notably, all fuel costs are increased:

• Police department from $1,022 in 2022 to $1,500 in 2023.

• Municipal building from $3,000 in 2022 to $4,000 in 2023.

• Public Works from $5,755 in 2022 to $7,000 in 2023.

• Fire company increased to $2,000 for 2023.

There will be an 8.7% increase in salaries for most township employees (hourly rates):

• Public Works (Roadmaster): $24.41 to $25.82

• Public Works (helpers, such as snow plow drivers) $20.09 to $21.25

• General help from $13.39 to $14.16

• General laborers remain at $13.39

• Part-time police: $18.54 to $20.11

• Police chief: $19.05 to $20.61

A special meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 28 at the municipal building to vote on the new budget. Also, just before that meeting, supervisors will meet with two potential persons to fill a vacant spot on the zoning hearing board.

Fire report

For November, the New England fire company responded to seven calls: one each, crash, brush fire, tree down, shed fire, chief’s request, cardiac arrest and a landing zone. The company added 64 calls for the year.

Upcoming dues and fund drive will take place soon, letters will be mailed to area residents.

Meetings

The Walker Township Board of Supervisors released the 2023 meeting schedule.

The township reorganizational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 3.

The Auditors reorganizational meeting will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 4.

The Board of Supervisors’ monthly meetings will be at 7 p.m. on the following dates: Feb 1, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7.