Forks Township Holds Line on Taxes

The good news for Forks Township residents: No tax hike for 2013.

The bad news: There should have been one.

The Forks Township Board of Supervisors approved a tentative 2013 municipal budget that holds the line on taxes -- mainly because all capital projects have been scrapped, officials said.

Township Finance Manager Jim Farley presented the budget to supervisors, stating that operating revenues in the general fund were $8,171,514 with expenses $8,169,654.

That leaves a surplus of $1,860, Farley said.

"We're putting forward a balanced budget," Farley said. "This makes the assumption that we're tightening our belts, eliminating purchases for police, fire and public works."

Farley said that staffing positions where people are retiring won't be filled.

"Our goal is to not impact services," Farley said.

Farley said he and township department heads have been tightening their spending belts for the past three years.

"We are really running lean with a lot of things," Farley said. "I think we're going to be hard-challenged. But we need to get back on track with capital."

Supervisor Dan Martyak applauded the efforts.

"My thanks to everyone. You did a great job," Martyak said. "We'll get through this and we'll get it together."

The tentative budget will be available on the township's website for residents to review.