Lower Saucon Township Council voted 3-1 Wednesday to adopt a 2015 township general fund budget of $7,340,224 that includes a one mill tax hike.
The real estate tax increase–which will bring the township’s millage rate to 5.39 mills–amounts to a 22 percent increase for property owners.
At a meeting last month councilman Tom Maxfield said the increase means a homeowner whose home has an assessed value of $125,000 would pay an additional $125 a year in taxes.
Township finance director Cathy Gorman estimated that to be the average assessed value of a township home.
One reason for the tax increase is declining revenue from IESI Bethlehem Landfill, which is projected to contribute $800,000 less to township coffers next year.
According to a budget highlights summary prepared by the township, the following capital expenses are included in the 2015 budget:
- The complete development of Steel City Park, Easton Road fields and the installation of a composting restroom along the Saucon Rail Trail.
- Vehicle replacements.
- Roof repairs to several buildings.
- Information technology improvements in council chambers.
Fixed expenditures increasing in 2015 include: non-uniformed employment contracts (currently in negotiation); uniformed employment contracts (currently in negotiation); township contributions to employee pension plans and social security taxes; and health insurance premiums for employees.
The township will reduce spending on library funding, due to consolidation with the Hellertown Area Library, and will save money due to debt refinancing, according to the budget summary.
Councilwoman Priscilla deLeon said Wednesday she opposed the budget because she didn’t “feel that it’s a bare-bones budget.”
“If the money’s there, it’ll be spent,” she said. “In this economy we should be tightening our belts.”
She added that many of the township’s residents are living on fixed incomes.
