Union Township’s preliminary budget for 2018 indicates no tax increase for its residents.
The Board of Supervisors is proposing an expenditure budget of $1,665,077 – a $91,930 increase from the 2017 budget of $1,573,147.
If the board approves the current preliminary budget, the township’s millage rate would remain at 3.65 mills.
Properties with an assessed value of $100,000 would continue to pay an annual tax bill of $365.
The budget includes the purchase of a 10-wheeler truck for the road department and a four percent salary increase for township administration and road crew.
The general fund balance would remain at $445,000.
Board members approved on Sept. 18 to contact the state Liquor Control Board regarding the liquor license held by Kulptown Fire Company Social Quarters, Kulptown.
Donald Basile, board chairman, said the social quarters has violated an agreement with the township to contribute money from its liquor sales for the operation of the Birdsboro-Union Fire Company, 214 W. 1st St., Birdsboro.
He said the township has received $3,000 from Kulptown since 2010.
“I have reached out to them for six months,” said Basile.
“The Birdsboro-Union Fire Company has contributed $10,000 to $15,000 a year [from its social quarters].”
Kulptown Fire Company permanently closed its fire truck doors about five years ago, following the establishment of the Birdsboro-Union Fire Company in 2009.
Union Township Environmental Advisory Council Chairman Jim Sarro said the council is pursuing a 50/50 matching, mini-grant with the Schuylkill Highlands for financial aid to eradicate the invasive species the Spotted Lanternfly.
Grant money would be used in township’s park areas.
Kenneth Neiman Jr., a Penn State Master Watershed Steward-in-training, and a township resident, said the EAC is encouraging residents to reduce the Spotted Lanternfly by killing the Tree of Ailanthus, where the bugs feed and lay their eggs.
That feeding tree is also known as the Tree of Heaven.
Neiman said the tree can be killed by cutting diagonally into the tree’s circumference and then applying an insecticide product that contains glyphosate.
The township office has materials from the state Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension about the Spotted Lanternfly as well as information on the various insecticides and when and how to use them.