Loyalsock Township supervisors Tuesday night approved a proposed $4.3 million 2019 general fund budget that calls for no increase in real estate taxes.

The proposed tax millage is 0.5 mills or $500 on a house assessed at $100,000.

It may seem higher than this year’s budget of $3.2 million, but the equation includes $1 million in federal, state and county grants, said Bill Burdett, township manager.

The township goal of keeping taxes the same is to help its senior citizens and businesses, Burdett said.

Some 37 percent of the revenue comes from earned income taxes and 11 percent from real estate taxes, he said.

Other top revenue sources include business privilege, and local services tax along with other fees.

The township draws $1.4 million in earned income tax, 350,000 from real estate tax and $375,000 in business privilege and $300 in local services tax, Burdett said.

Another $120,000 is derived from cable franchise fees, he said.

The township values itself on a high quality of living with investment in trails, recreation, senior citizen living, highways and roads and equipment, Burdett said.

Investment includes better and longer-lasting traffic signals, street lights and a combination of elder and youth programs able to be provided without increasing taxes, he said.

Residents receive a township newsletter, are offered two recycling centers, are covered by state police and a volunteer fire company.

Plans are in the works to buy a new street sweeper, leaf loader, mower and a large pickup truck, Burdett said.

The proposed budget shows an end balance of nearly $2 million, he said.

Approving the proposed budget for advertising and display until Dec. 18 when it is voted on in final version were Supervisors John C. Bower Jr., Paul D. Nyman, Marc C. Sortman and Richard H. Wheeland.