The Board of Supervisors have approved the advertising of the 2023 draft budget. General Fund expenditures are up approximately 8%, the largest part of this increase (6%) is our curbside recycling collection contract which will increase by $330,000 for 2023. Also included in the draft budget is the addition of one (1) police officer and a modest increase to the Boone Area Library. The draft budget requires a small tax increase of .25 mil which equates to $25.00 per $100k of assessed value.
In addition, Western Berks Ambulance has raised a concern about a funding crisis in the EMS arena and asked the Board to consider funding a portion of the cost of operations within Amity. The 2nd Class Township Code states:
Section 1553. Emergency Services.–(a) The township shall be responsible for ensuring that fire and emergency medical services are provided within the township by the means and to the extent determined by the township, including the appropriate financial and administrative assistance for these services.
After reviewing the presentation and discussing the same internally, the Board agreed this is a vital service within the community and recognized the need for funding. The advertised budget also includes a dedicated.15 mil EMS tax for funding Emergency Medical Services, this equates to $15.00 per $100k of assessed value .
On the sewer front, the major expansion/upgrade we announced last year is in the design stages, with the hopes of construction starting sometime in 2023. We will be making application for grant funds to offset some of the expected cost. Sewer rates will remain at $140 per quarter at this time. Advance notice will be provided if that changes during 2023.
The budget (2023 Proposed Budget) will sit for 30 days and be considered for adoption at the Board meeting scheduled for December 21st at 7PM.