East Franklin Budget Poised to Break Even

by Jonathan Weaver

East Franklin Township is projected to receive more revenue than expected in 2016, making the need to raise taxes unnecessary again for 2017.

Last night, Township Supervisors Barry Peters, Dan Goldinger and David Stewart discussed the projected-$1.23 million funding plan for next year with Township Secretary Debra Cornman and a handful of residents – a budget that is projected to earn $6,000 more than even expected in 2016 to keep real estate taxes at six mills.

“We’re in the good by $13,786 unless anyone wants to change any line item,” Cornman said.

The extra revenue in 2016 and expected next year will allow supervisors to continue paying an overall $10,500 deficit that could be realized from sewage treatment plant operations, a contractual salary increase in the police department, and increased building loan payments.

The current loan schedule allows the township to pay off the new township building/police station along Cherry Orchard Avenue– which was opened by January 2014 but final items not completed until August 2014 – on an expedited timeline rather than in more than 20 years, Cornman explained.

The township should begin with more than $330,000 in reserves and received more in tax revenue that expected this year – both in current and prior bills and via delinquent homeowners.

Between property taxes and income/service taxes, taxes made up slightly more than $1 million worth of the township’s revenue in 2016 and also will in 2017.

East Franklin also earned more than expected after selling a 2007 Peterbilt truck to Sugarcreek Township, earning more in Act 13 Marcellus Shale Impact Fees and by hosting two Trash Weeks – one each in the Spring and in the Fall – rather than only one.

Cornman did not predict wage increases for herself and Assistant Secretary Carla Scholl since those wages are not determined until after the New Year.

Cornman and Scholl did receive at least a $1 raise per hour in 2015, as well as did part-time Police Officer Robert Gahagan, Roadmaster Ron Lithgow, and part-time work crew members Norman Bennett and Dean Hepler.

Expenses for line-items such as professional engineering services, meetings and conferences and miscellaneous office supplies were also budgeted for even though those funds have not been spent this year. Some of those line-items were necessary in 2015.

No more budget workshops are scheduled before township supervisors vote to advertise the tentative budget at their November regular meeting in two weeks.

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