Bear Creek wonâ??t hike 2013 taxes

BEAR CREEK TWP. -- The proposed 2013 budget for the township will hold the line on taxes for the fourth year in a row, supervisors announced Monday.

At their regular meeting, the supervisors reviewed the proposed $518,132 spending plan that will leave the township with an estimated $913,617 fund balance at the end of the year, though it may dip into that for capital improvements to roads, the supervisors said.

As proposed, the budget holds taxes at .4412 mills, the same rate since 2009.

A mill is $1 of tax on every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The budget assumes a cost-of-living increase for non-supervisor employees hired before Jan. 1, 2012 of 2 percent and budgets up to 6.6 percent overtime for the road crew, if needed.

The budget will be available on the township website (bearcreektownship.org) and will be voted on at the Dec. 3 supervisors' meeting.

The board also discussed the annexing of Weiss Road. The road, which is located in Dennison Township, is the only access road for Bear Creek Township residents of White Haven/Poconos. Bear Creek Township has historically maintained the road, which is badly in need of repairs.

Solicitor William Vinsko said that under the applicable laws, the annexation is subject to the review of a specially appointed three-person committee, and indications are the review will be completed before the end of the year.