Springfield hikes taxes, fees in 2020 budget

SPRINGFIELD >> For the first time in three years, the township has approved a budget just less than

$19 million with a small increase in property taxes. The real estate tax has a .32 mill increase totaling

6.13 mills. The average property assessed at $148,000 will have a bill of $907, an annual increase of approximately $48. Sewer fees increase by $.50 to $7.50 per 1,000 gallons of water used.

Commissioners followed the traditional routine of a separate, publicly advertised brief meeting with the budget as the only agenda item. It was approved by a 6-2 vote with opposing votes from Paul Wechsler and Ed Kelly. Lee Janiczek attended his final meeting a week earlier.

Despite their vote, both Wechsler and Kelly felt the administrative staff had done a good job on budget development.

“It’s lean and efficient,” said Kelly. “I was hoping we could take a long-term, more comprehensive view, and consider some projects in the pipeline.”

For Wechsler, the matter went beyond the township. “I don’t’ know where we could have had cuts. Property taxes are really a global issue, and my vote was more a statement that it needs reform. Plus, I have a lot of seniors in my ward.”

Board President Jeff Rudolph cited some of the factors in producing the budget: Reduction in overall township assessed value (with those assessment figures arriving late from the county); increase in recycling fees; park upgrades consistent with the master plan; and hiring two police officers.

The summary of appropriations and expenditures did not show any changes from the preliminary budget approved, and do not vary substantially from past years. Police/public safety lead all expenses at $6.1 million with rubbish collection and disposal

at $2.3 million, employee benefits at just less than $2.7 million and highway needs at $1.8 million at the top costs.

Receipt from all township taxes total $13.2 million with of other revenue at $5.5 million.

“We have worked diligently to present a responsible budget. We are committed to providing the same high level of municipal services to our residents,” concluded Rudolph then calling for the vote.