Antrim sets 2013 budget, no real estate tax levy

The Antrim Township Board of Supervisors approved the preliminary 2013 budget, which will be finalized at 7 p.m. Dec. 18. Graham presented the $3,023,920 general fund budget with no real estate tax levy. Expenses were expected to come in slightly less, at $3,023,449.

Fred Young III, James Byers, Rick Baer, John Alleman and Pat Heraty unanimously supported the budget after a discussion period.

It contained an overall two percent increase for staff salaries, although they would be merit-based, and vary per employee. The township planned to set aside $72,000 for a roadmaster/park manager, $6,500 for payroll for scanning assistance, $8,100 for additional mowing and park help, and $16,592 for summer staff.

A few revenue sources were predicted to be lower in the new year. The per capita, real estate transfer and earned income taxes showed $100,000 less in than in 2012.

Graham reported a piece of good news. The cost for codification of new ordinances would not be the expected $50,000, but only $15,000, based on a simplified offer from the coding company. Document scanning services would run $20,000 for a new way to preserve records.

Funding for road projects was up, to include those delayed from 2012. The targeted roads for improvements were Albert, Hazel and Kline at $74,000; Marion at $255,000; Antrim Church at $365,000; Enoch Brown and West Weaver culverts, $45,000 each; and Willowdale culvert at $6,000.

Antrim Township Community Park received significant funding in the draft budget: utility vehicle, $10,000; soccer field bleachers, $15,000; equipment boxes, $3,000; ballfield safety nets, $20,000; irrigation, $80,000; dog park, $50,000; and other smaller items.

Graham said the sewer fund would find a $475,710 shortfall, with revenues expected at $2,313,500. The township would draw from the $1.7 million reserve fund.