Supervisors approve tax increase

Taxes in Amity Township will increase from 1.3 to 1.8 mills — a 38 percent increase, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

That translates to an increase of $50 per household.

The township’s total millage rate (which includes a fire hydrant millage rate of .65 mills), will increase from 1.95 mills to 2.45 mills, or $195 to $245.

The Amity Township Board of Supervisors approved with a 3-1 vote, the 2017, $4.6 million budget and tax increase at their Dec. 7 meeting.

Supervisor David Hackett was absent from the meeting.

Supervisor Richard L. Gokey, who had been absent from the Nov. 2 budget presentation, voted against the budget and tax increase on Dec. 7.

“We’ve been frugal [for nine years] -- keeping raises at bay -and providing great services for taxpayers,” said Gokey.

“We’re spending too much money, like we have a money printing machine, and I guess we do -- the taxpayer.”

Gokey said he regrets his vote in 2015 to purchase the property at 888 Old Airport Road for record storage and three little league ball fields.

“Last year, the township paid $155,000 for a house no one lives in. I voted for it, and I’m ashamed of it.”

Township Manager Troy Bingaman said the budget includes the establishment of a $1 million capital fund, with $1 million remaining in the general fund.

“Nothing in the capital fund can be spent without board approval,” said Bingaman, adding that all capital needs will be plotted within an 18-year capital plan.

“The bottom line is that there has been no tax increase for 10 years, but insurance has increased,” said Supervisor Terry L. Jones.

“When I was first appointed to this board, my first phone call was from a man pleading ‘to not raise my taxes -- I can hardly afford it now,’” said Gokey.

Quarterly sewer rates will increase, from $90 to $100, effective Jan. 1.

The township is seeking new individuals to serve on the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC).

Board Chairperson Kimberly J. McGrath said the EAC will be advertised to have between three to five members.

The Amity Police Department is seeking applications for a full time police officer.

Police Chief Andrew J. Kensey said applicants can apply online through the township’s website.

The application fee is $40.

Board members unanimously approved to expend $200 for a second radon detector.

The detectors can be borrowed from the township to test residential radon levels.

Code Enforcement Officer Steven Loomis said the township’s one detector currently has a one-year waiting list.