Franklin Township's board of supervisors approved the municipal budget for 2017 Tuesday night.

For the seventh straight year, residents won't face any municipal tax increases.In addition to tax rates being retained, garbage collection fees also will remain intact.The budget is based on 7.637 mills, or $7.63 for every thousand dollars of assessed valuation.This includes 6.3 mills for general purposes, 0.537 mills for the capital reserve building fund, and 0.8 mills for the fire hydrant fund, which is for properties within 780 feet of fire hydrants.The budget is based on expenses and revenue balanced at $1,314,200.68.Chairman Rob E. Green said the last time the taxes were raised was in 2010 when they increased by a half mill.Trash collection rates are $215 per year for residents if paid by Feb. 28, and $225 if paid after March 1.There is a special senior citizen rate for trash collection of $150 if paid by Feb. 28 and $160 if paid after that.The township operates its own trash collection.Reorganization and tree collection• The supervisors agreed to hold an organization meeting at 4 p.m. Jan. 3, followed by the monthly meeting at 4:30 p.m.• Garbage collection normally occurring on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 will occur one day later - on Dec. 27 and Jan. 3.• The supervisors said the township will again collect Christmas trees at Phifer's Ice Dam beginningDec. 31.People disposing of trees should use the Penn Street entrance at the ice dam.• A resolution was adopted authorizing application to the Pennsylvania Municipal Assistance Program to update the Zoning and subdivision ordinances.• The township will join Lehighton and Mahoning Township in requesting Audubon's assistance with revising the zoning and subdivision ordinances of the three municipalities.• Kenneth and Linda Ahner were granted a waiver from groundwater studies to remedy a violation by installing a replacement sewage system on their property.