NESHANNOCK TWP. Officials approve smaller tax rise

Supervisors also increased sewer rates.
By LAURA MILOSER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Taxpayers in Neshannock Township will see a smaller tax increase than originally proposed.
The supervisors agreed to raise general fund taxes 0.14 mill, from 0.7 to 0.84 mills, plus incur a debt service tax of 0.16 mills. The fire tax will remain at 0.42. The proposed budget was set to increase taxes 0.87 mills, but according to township secretary Leslie Bucci, money received from the state enabled the supervisors to lower the millage.
Bucci said the 0.14 tax increase and 0.16 debt service tax would cost the average taxpayer about $48 a year. The general fund budget totals $2,223,847.
The debt service tax will be used to pay off an $8 million loan being used for renovation and addition to the township municipal building, Hess Ice Rink and the West Bank sewer project.
Reassessment appeals
Supervisor Chairman Gale Measel said the township did not increase taxes last year after the countywide tax assessment. He said the township experienced a loss of money after reassessment appeals were filed, prompting the need to raise the taxes.
Supervisors also increased monthly sewer fees $49.50 to $55.
Graziani Construction Co. of New Castle was awarded the contract for excavating and installing the pipe for the West Bank sewer expansion project. The project will allow for sewage system expansion in the township and connections to Millennium Park, a high-technology park being developed in the township. It was the low bidder at $777,770.
The supervisors will conduct their reorganization meeting at 2 p.m. Monday.
They will also be searching for a candidate to replace supervisor Dan Vogler. He will be sworn in as Lawrence County commissioner. Measel and John DiCola Jr. will have 30 days to find a replacement for Vogler.