Forks Passes $7,984,665 Budget

unanimously passed the township’s Thursday night.

The budget estimates total revenues at $7,773,899. Subtract from the that the costs of running Forks, $7,984,665, and the result is -$210,766.

“Having a surplus this year makes us able to do this and not raise taxes,” said Finance Manager Jim Farley. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope [the economy] turns around next year.”

will end 2011 with a $659,429 surplus, and it’s that money that will pay for next year’s deficit.

During budget discussions, said the supervisors were “just kicking the can down the road;” meaning that a tax increase is inevitable, and by delaying, it will make things worse.

He reiterated that sentiment Thursday, repeating that the surplus the township has this year will run out soon. He urged supervisors to consider a modest tax increase next year rather than hitting residents with a big tax hike a few years from now.

Howell, nevertheless, voted in favor of the budget, saying he didn’t want to end his term by voting ‘no’ on a budget.

Supervisors Howell and Lilly Gioia did not win their and will be replaced in January.

“Maybe a tax increase is inevitable,” said Supervisor Erik Chuss, “but the economy is still too difficult to go back to the residents and ask for a tax increase now.”

The budget passed 5-0.

The supervisors next meet Jan. 3 for the board’s reorganization meeting.