Mahoning Township residents aren’t likely to see a municipal tax rate increase in 2022.

Supervisors last Wednesday unanimously agreed to advertise next year’s proposed budget to make it available to the public.

The 2022 proposed budget totals $2,955,358, and calls for no tax increase, which would leave the millage rate at 6.75 mills.

The board expects to grant final adoption of next year’s spending plan in December.

In December 2020, the board approved this year’s budget with no tax increase.

New pickup

After the board voted on the measure, it agreed on a 3-2 vote to purchase a new 2022 Ford pickup truck with a plow for the township’s road department in the amount of $39,995.

In favor of the purchase were Supervisors Myron “Zeke” Blahy, David Pollock and Brian Reeser. Opposed were Supervisor Robert Slaw and board Chairman Bruce Steigerwalt.

“I understand the need for the truck,” Reeser said.

Before the vote, Steigerwalt voiced concern as to how the township would afford it.

“We don’t have it in the (2022) budget,” Steigerwalt said. “How are we going to pay for it?”

Township secretary Natalie Haggerty said the township could afford the truck by squeezing $10,000 out of next year’s road machinery fund.

Haggerty said the township will have to take out a bank lease.

As a result, the township may have to pass a half-mill tax increase in 2023 to afford the truck.

Donation to be split

As part of its motion to advertise next year’s spending plan, the board agreed to divvy up a $750 donation that had been given to the Carbon County Friends of Animals three ways.

That decision came after Steigerwalt said he’d like to see 4-H, Carbon County Friends of Animals, and the 4-H Livestock each get $250.

“We have a 4-H Club here in the township; that club is an asset to our community,” Steigerwalt said. “I’d like to see some of it go to them.”

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