Politics & Government
Is There a Tax Hike in Forks' Future?
Forks Township Supervisors say the amphitheater and public works garage costs have them worried about a tax hike for residents in 2013.
officials are starting to worry over the 2012 municipal budget.
With an in costs and its public works garage project , township supervisors are trying to figure out how to get out of a financial hole.
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"I think we have a problem," said Supervisor Robert Egolf, who voted against the public works garage. "And it's with the whole operation. My hope and prayer is that I'm wrong."
Supervisor Vice Chairman Dan Martyak expressed concerns beyond making up the $1.8 million shortfall.
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"We might have a $400,000 to $500,000 shortfall going into next year," Martyak said. "We need to have some serious discussions. We need to have serious conversations with all departments about tightening their belts. If we're going to ask the taxpayers to prepare for a tax increase, we need to tell them why."
Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss agreed.
"We have a serious issue with the budget, not just the public works garage," he said. "We'll need to do whatever we can to minimize the impact."
Supervisors debated last Thursday night about whether to shut down work on the public works garage due to its high construction costs.
The project is anticipated to cost $5.5 million, but Martyak said he wonders what additional expenses the township might incur since "we're only one-third of the way in" on the project.
The good news is that the first two months of the year turned out fine financially, township finance manager Jim Farley said.
"February financials are on track," he said. "We are where we need to be."
At a recent "" meeting, Farley touted how Forks had higher expenses than revenue, but how officials were using surplus to offset costs, maintain services and keep the tax base stable.
Martyak said township officials need to really scrutinize every expense going forward.
"We have to manage the next nine months of the year," Martyak said. "We need to really be focused so there will be no shocks to taxpayers in November."
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