Upper Saucon Plans No Tax Hike

If your Upper Saucon Township property taxes go up in 2013, it's not because the township raised its rate. Rather, it's because you were on the losing end of Lehigh County reassessment. 

Robert Kassel, assistant township manager, said the proposed budget is designed to be revenue neutral for Upper Saucon. The township hasn't yet set the millage rate because it just received its total reassessment from the county Monday, he said.

It will be the 24th straight year that the township has not raised taxes, according to Kassel. Water and sewer rates are also slated to stay the same. 

Supervisor Dennis Benner commended Kassel for his professionalism. Township Manager Thomas Beil extended the praise to others on staff.

"I think the department heads have done an excellent job in controlling costs," he said.  

The total $23.1 million spending plan includes $4.9 million for roadwork, which is largely earmarked for storm drainage, roadways and gutters in Afton Village and Taylor Drive. 

Beil said the township is hoping to start the work in the spring and finish it by the end of the year, weather permitting. There will be some inconvenience to the neighborhoods during the projects but Beil said the crews will try to work with the residents as best they can.

"It is a priority to get this project done, sooner rather than later," he said.

Other planned major expenditures include: 

-- $272,000 Rails to Trails project Phase 2

-- $500,000 for a water line on Limeport Pike

-- $1.3 million for new water supply well

-- $118,000 for front-end loader

-- $161,000 for single-axle dump truck

-- $64,000 for two new police cars

The proposed budget will be available for public inspection at the township building and online by Wednesday, Kassel said. 

The proposed budget passed unanimously with John Gilda absent. Upper Saucon plans to approve the final budget Dec. 17. The Dec. 3 supervisors meeting is canceled due to lack of agenda items.