During a meeting Wednesday, Schuylkill Township supervisors adopted a 2014 budget with no tax increase. The millage rate will remain at 10.22, with expenditures at $429,275 and revenues $431,035.

The supervisors also gave more details on the garbage contract the township signed last month with Kreizer Sanitation of Frackville. The $170,880 contract is for the period Jan. 1, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2014.The new contract includes a three-bag maximum per week per household. By including a maximum bag limit per household in the bid specifications, the township was able to contract for a lower rate. As a result, the yearly fee for residents was reduced from $210 per year to $185 per year.The township's collection rate on the garbage fee for its 530 residents will by 100 percent by the end of December. The collection rate for garbage fees has been 100 percent since 1997, according to township secretary Mary Bubel, who handles collections.Under public comment, Matt Hope of Hope's Collision and 24-Hour Towing, a business located in the township, asked the supervisors if his business is the towing company of choice for the township. Hope said in some recent occasions, another towing company has been called to pick up abandoned vehicles or tow the vehicles of people who have been arrested for driving under the influence. He pointed out that Hope's has provided tow service for the township for township vehicles at no charge."I don't feel that's fair to my company, my employees or to me," Hope said.Supervisor Linda DeCindio said that Hope's has been the recommended towing company for the township, although there was no official policy on the issue. She suggested that the question be revisited and discussed when the board of supervisors reorganizes in January. That meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 6, with the regular meeting following.Under public comment, citizens spoke against and in favor of the work performed by the township's police officer, Jennifer Dempsey. Some citizens felt that Dempsey was too aggressive with citations and enforcement, while others spoke in support of her work. Dempsey was not present.Acting on a request from Gary Feathers, Tuscarora, the supervisors decided to have township solicitor Michael Greek look into the possibility of establishing a citizens' review committee, which would respond to citizens' complaints or questions about police work. Greek said he would research the matter and respond at a future meeting.Supervisor Christine Verdier thanked supervisor Linda DeCindio "for her guidance and direction" she provided during her years of service for the borough. DeCindio was defeated by Charles Fayash by one vote (187-186) during the November election; a recount gave the same result. DeCindio served as supervisor for the township since 2004.