Upper Darby plans tax hike in 2018

UPPER DARBY » Taxes will be increasing by .58 mills to accommodate contracted 3 percent hikes in salaries for police and fire personnel and additional costs for pensions and healthcare in 2018.

Mayor Thomas Micozzie presented the figures to council at the regular meeting in October calling for the real estate tax increase from 20.37 mills to 20.95 mills for the $76.8 million operating budget.

A homeowner with a $108,000 average assessment paying $2,199 this year will pay an additional $63 next year for a total of $2,262.

Cost for trash and recycling pickups, increased this year to $190, will be maintained for the proposed budget.

“The township’s essential public safety activities account for approximately 57 percent of the general fund budget increases, while contributions to the volunteer fire companies, library and health care costs represent other expenditures increases in the 2018 budget,” Micozzie said. “In an effort to minimize the impact on the residents of Upper Darby Township this budget holds expenditures in the majority of the township departments.

“The proposed budget continues twiceweekly trash pickups during the summer months and will not change the recycling schedule.”

Finance Chairman Councilman Thomas Wagner announced the Finance Committee would be meeting with department heads for review of expenses and costs.

Public hearings on the budget have been scheduled for after the 7 p.m. Nov. 8 and 15 regular meetings in the council chambers of the municipal building, 100 Garrett Road.