Residents of Snyder Township can sigh in relief now that supervisors have agreed to a tentative budget for 2004. Last year, expenses increased and a one mill tax hike was adopted. This year, there will be no increase.
Last week, township supervisors adopted a tentative 2004 budget that shows the general fund containing $649,163 in total revenue and $612,159 in total expenditures. The real estate tax will remain at 11 mills, with eight mills in the general fund and another three to provide fire protection.
Highlights of the budget include: $70,00 for road construction, a 20-cent raise across the board for township employees and increases to various township programs.
These increases include an extra $500 for the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library (from $3,000 to $3,500), an extra $500 for the Bald Eagle Baseball Association (from $250 to $750), an extra $400 for Day Care Services of Blair County (from $600 to $1,000), and an extra $1,000 to the Bald Eagle Fire Co. (from $5,000 to $6,000 in the fire protection fund plus $9,000 from the general fund).
The tentative budget will be on display at the township building through the second week of December. The supervisors are expected to adopt the budget at a special meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. on Dec. 12.
According to secretary Viola Dysart, the supervisors also agreed to advertise for some vacant positions.
There are spaces open on the newly forming Snyder Township Planning Commission. Dysart said that eight people have already expressed their interest in serving on the commission. She said the supervisors are hoping to be able to select from a large pool of candidates representing all areas of Snyder Township.
The supervisors are also looking for township residents who want to be representative of the community on the Northern Blair Sewer Authority and Parks and Recreation Committee.
Anyone interested in any of the positions is encouraged to contact Dysart at 684-1048.
The supervisors also received a letter from the Tyrone Area School District requesting curve painting and installation of “No Parking” signs near the school. Dysart said the request would be honored after the board makes all the necessary contacts with the state Department of Transportation.
Also, the supervisors gave Dysart the go-ahead to advertise for a 20-hour per week new hire in the township office. Dysart said the supervisors are currently exploring a “co-op” program with the Tyrone Area School District. Costs to cover the new position have already been budgeted.
