The people’s voice in Snyder Township does count.
Chairman Supervisor Jim Daughenbaugh reported this morning that numerous people have approached the supervisors concerning a $5-an-hour raise offered to township secretary Viola Dysart at the Nov. 15 meeting. The raise was rescinded.
“Our people thought that was a little too much,” he said.
The supervisors did, however, approve a 40-cent-per-hour raises across the board for township employees, including Dysart.
“We had to rescind our budget and make some corrections,” said Daughenbaugh. “We’re able to do that, and because so many people commented on what we did earlier this month, we felt it was best that we take another look.”
Daughenbaugh said although the budget was revisited, there will still be a tax increase for residents. Tax mills will be increased from 10 to 11 in 2003. Eight will be applied to the General Fund while three will be reserved for the Fire Fund.
“There was nothing we could do about increasing the millage,” said Daughenbaugh. “Everything costs more these days.”
Supervisors also rescinded a $1-an-hour raise for road foreman Joe Mengel. The rescinded raises will save the township about $12,500.
Dysart said she would not comment concerning any township business during a phone conversation this morning.
The meeting for adoption of the final budget has been changed from Dec. 19 to Dec. 23.
In other business, Daughenbaugh said Tyrone Borough and the township are continuing negotiations concerning fire protection for the township. If an agreement is not reached, the township could be without fire protection from the borough.
Tyrone is asking the township to sign-on to an agreement that could cost the township in the neighborhood of $20,000. Daughenbaugh said part of the increase would be applied to administrative costs. The borough claims the increase is needed for workers’ compensation and insurance.
“We’re still negotiating with Tyrone,” said Daughenbaugh. “We’re going to try and set up some meetings to get this important situation resolved.”
