Timothy Houser served on the West Penn Township board of supervisors for 19 years but won’t return in 2024.

During Monday evening’s supervisors’ meeting, he thanked those he worked with over the years.

“I lived in the township all my life,” said Houser, who didn’t seek reelection. “I first worked for the township when I was 16 years old. I’ve seen tremendous change in the township.”

Houser recalled how township employees were based out of a barn in the village of Mantzville.

“This is the result of what we have working from a barn to this building with probably $2 million worth of equipment sitting back there - or more,” he said. “And I think these gentlemen here and myself have helped to maintain the taxes at one of the lowest rates around the area.

“I just want to thank all the people who have donated so much time to make this township better. Nobody knows what it’s like unless you sit on this side of the table.”

Houser said some decisions made by supervisors aren’t popular with taxpayers.

“But as (supervisor) Glenn (Hummel) has said many times, we are guardians of your tax dollars,” Houser said. “We do what we need to do.”

He thanked others who helped with maintenance, finances and recreation, and wished supervisors luck in the future.