Property taxes in Franklin Township will stay the same for 2015 and the municipality will keep its police department after much discussion during the past year.

Supervisors on Tuesday night unanimously approved next year's spending plan, which keeps the current 6.3-mill property tax rate, the same it has been since 2010. The township is anticipating $1,168,263 in tax revenue.Also identical to last year is the garbage collection rate at $225 or the early payment discount rate of $215.Garbage rates for seniors or seasonal residents will be $160 or the early payment discount rate of $150.While garbage rates have remained the same since 2009, when the township started its recycling program, things may change for 2016, according to Chairman Ron Green."We're cutting it very close, especially with garbage," Green said. "We continue to encourage people to take advantage of our recycling. If those bins stay full, that is one less ton of garbage we have to pay to get rid of."Property owners who live within 780 feet of a fire hydrant will pay an 0.8-mill tax. A capital reserve building fund tax remains at 0.537 mills.Also on Secretary Brenda Neeb said there would be no changes in the garbage collection schedule over the Christmas and New Year's Day holidays.Christmas trees can be dropped off at Phifer Ice Dam Park using the Penn Street entrance starting on Jan, 1.The township's reorganization meeting will be held at 4 p.m. Jan. 5 with the regular monthly supervisors meeting to follow at 4:30 p.m.Green urged residents to keep tabs on the township's Facebook page for important updates."We used the page to talk about a string of robberies that have been taking place," he said. "I think it has really helped get the word out."The robberies have been in the Tall Oaks section including Green Street, Forest Street and Green Forest Lane. The latest robbery was reported last Wednesday. All residents are urged to call 911 for an emergency, or 610-377-1681 for a nonemergency to reach police.In other action, the township:• Appointed Sarahann Graver as deputy tax collector.• Hired Kim Hunsicker as a temporary CDL and snowplow driver.• Hired Nicholas Schaeffer as a regular part-time sanitation crew employee.• Approved special fire police assistance for the Black Bear Triathlon at Beltzville State Park on May 31.• Dismissed an employee for cause due to not retaining the required licenses needed for employment. Supervisors would not comment further on the dismissal.