Upper Chichester holds line on taxes; trash fee increase

UPPER CHICHESTER >> For the eighth consecutive year, real estate taxes in the township will remain steady.

Commissioners unanimously adopted a 2019 final operating budget totaling $16.8 million, reflecting a zero tax increase for residents. Millage was set at 5.1 mills; the same as 2018.

A homeowner with a property assessed at $150,000 can expect to pay $765 in real estate tax in 2019.

The trash collection fee will increase by $10, from

$190 to $200 annually.

The largest expenditures in the spending plan include $6.04 million for the police department; $3.4 million for the highway department; $1.7 million for sanitation; $788,126 for general administration; and

$374,300 for recreation.

“This is the eighth consecutive year with no tax increase,” said finance committee chairman, Commissioner Joseph Neary. “We strive to do everything in our power to maintain the tax base at at its current level and to continue to provide quality services for our residents.”

In other matters, 5th Ward Commissioner Michael Gaudiuso and 4th Ward Commissioner Joseph Neary were re-elected president and vice president of the board of commissioners, respectively.