The Old Lycoming Township supervisors proposed a balanced budget for 2013 at their Tuesday night meeting. They also discussed the success of their new commercial enforcement vehicle unit.
No tax increase is proposed with the budget, which will be on display for public review in the township building beginning on Friday.
"I'm just tickled that we worked everything out so we don't have to raise taxes," said Supervisor Linda Mazzullo.
The township plans to change health care providers for its highway and sewer employees. Beginning in 2013, they will get their benefits from the Benecon Group, a health care cooperative.
According to Supervisor John Eck, members of the police force and office staff made a similar switch several years ago and the township has seen significant savings as a result.
"We saved a lot, and with a cooperative, there are opportunities for dividends, which we didn't have before," Eck said.
He added that the highway and sewer employees had voted to accept the new plan.
The expected savings is included in the proposed budget.
"There's a lot of paperwork that still needs to be done, but the plan is to have everything filed before the beginning of next year," Eck said.
The supervisors do not anticipate having to adjust the budget further. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, they expect to pass the proposed budget at their December meeting.
The Old Lycoming Police Department's new commercial enforcement vehicle, which contains a portable weigh station, also is expected to bring in revenue to the township.
During their meeting, the supervisors approved an addendum to the police department agreements with Hepburn and Lycoming Township. The addendum states that Old Lycoming will receive 25 percent of fines accrued within the two townships, as a result of the commercial enforcement vehicle.
"I think this was a great idea to purchase scales and monitor truck traffic. It benefits all three townships. And this will let us get a bit of money back," Mazzullo said.
The vehicle, which was purchased in August, has allowed police to fine enough drivers to almost pay for a large chunk of its purchase price.
"We're not quite there, but we're pretty close to recoup the cost of our scales," Solomon said.
