Letter to the Editor: American Legion Black Diamond Post 395 commended for supplying flag holder to honor veteran

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Forty Fort council gives initial approval to 2016 budget with no tax increase

BEAR CREEK TWP. &#8212; Bear Creek Township supervisors unanimously approved a $1.3 million budget that includes an 11.6 percent increase in expenses but actually reduces some taxes.The 2016 spending plan will implement the Homestead Tax exclusion, reducing taxes to residents by a total of $15,000. The township per capita tax is also eliminated.The increased expenses and tax reductions will result in a deficit of expenses over income of about $289,000, but the township will make that up from the budgetary surplus, which is still estimated to be $860,000 at the end of the 2016 fiscal year, the supervisors said during budget discussions.Residents did question a few budgeted expenses, including a planned $70,000 expenditure for a flail mower. Board Chairman Gary Zingaretti said the township will include all options before making the purchase, including the option of buying used or renting, but noted that the flail is used nearly weekly during the summer to tend to the areas along township roads, so renting might not be cost effective.Also in the budget for next year is the construction of a Department of Public Works building, which will be partially funded by a state gaming grant. The board approved a motion allowing Zingaretti to investigate alternative energy sources and grant funding to hold down operating costs for the new building.A resident also raised questions about the township&#8217;s volunteer ambulance company. The resident noted that although he appreciates the time and effort put in by the volunteer ambulance crew, they &#8212; like many other volunteers organizations &#8212; are having trouble recruiting enough members to be able to respond to calls.The resident asked if it is time for the township to consider other options, such as contracting with a private ambulance company for the safety of residents. The township typically renews agreements with the volunteer ambulance and fire companies at the January meeting.In other business:&#8226; The board postponed action on a bid for a speed bump on Golf Course Road to allow time to review the specifications and make sure all aspects of the project are covered.&#8226; The board rejected the lone bid received for tree trimming along township roads. The supervisors noted that the electronic bid process used may have prevented some companies from bidding. Alternate bidding processes will be considered before the project is rebid, the supervisors said.<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Janine UngvarskyFor Times Leader</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach the Times Leader newsroom can be reached at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.</shirttailMeta></div>

Bear Creek Township supervisors vote to increase budget, decrease some taxes