Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The new township police department and increased insurance costs account for the need for more taxes.
HILLSVILLE, Pa. — Mahoning Township supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to raise taxes a half-mill in 2010.
The increase brings the township millage to 3.105 mills, according to township Treasurer Gil Lucarelli. The last tax increase was a 0.25-mill hike in 2006.
Supervisors Chairman Vito Yeropoli said the township could use a greater increase but the supervisors are keeping it low because they do not want to cause residents economic hardship.
The township is facing increased costs next year because it is leaving its joint police department with Pulaski Township to start its own. There also will be an increase in insurance costs.
Also Tuesday, the Teamsters local that represents the township’s four road-workers agreed to extend its contract, which ends at the end of 2009, for one year and keep wages at the same level.
Supervisors formally authorized forming the new independent township police department. They named Jim Morris, who was chief of the joint department, which was called the Northwest Lawrence County Regional Police Department, chief of the new township department. His salary will remain the same. The department will initially have Morris and Patrolman Ryan Quahliero working full time. Yeropoli said after the meeting that the township will be hiring additional part-time officers.
Supervisors also said they plan to proceed with Phase I of the Edinburg sanitary sewer project, which is construction of a treatment plant in Edinburg off U.S. Route 224.
Supervisor Poncho Exposito, who also is township fire chief, recommended the township buy a new Holmatro tool that is used to cut victims out of wrecked vehicles. The new model is more powerful than the township’s 1990 model. The township can get a demonstration model for $15,900. A new one costs $24,507. Supervisors will further discuss the purchase.
It was Exposito’s last meeting as a supervisor. He has served in the post for 12 years but was not re-elected. He will continue as fire chief. Yeropoli and Supervisor Gary Pezzuolo thanked him for his years of service.
Supervisors will next meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 for their reorganization and regular January meeting.