Nov 27, 2012 2 min read

McMURRAY – An amendment to the 2012 Peters Township budget was approved unanimously by council on Monday, a move that was more about shuffling money in and out of accounts than increasing or decreasing the final budget figure.

When resident Ron Boocks asked council to consider reducing the real estate tax because of the uncertainity over whether the federal government will extend certain tax cuts and the possibility of increased health care costs, Chairman Robert Lewis said the amendment was for the 2012 budget and not the upcoming 2013 budget.

Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2013 budget at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 with adoption on Dec. 17.

The need to adjust the 2012 budget was due to higher-than-expected revenues received from earned income taxes, excess funds received for the school resources officer through the police department, gas impact fees of about $250,000, and traffic impact fees.

Council also expressed its unhappiness with the Washington County commissioners for failing to have county officials take part in tax assessment appeals hearings when the county is the entity that set the assessment. Council hired the law firm of Peacock, Keller and Ecker to represent the township for six tax appeals scheduled for trial in April. The firm was also authorized to hire an appraiser. Council agreed to send a letter to the three county commissioners expressing displeasure and set a time limit of one month for a response. If there is no response, Council agreed to condemn the commissioners’ inaction.

Councilman Robert Atkison said the county was “dumping on us” with David Ball adding the township will “spend time and money to defend something that’s not ours.”

In other action, council approved a subdivision of a lot owned by Thomas and Sandra McMurray at the corner of East McMurray Road and the privately-owned Wallace Drive. Council granted a modification to the lot during a meeting Sept. 24 to allow for the lot to be created on a private road. Access to the property will be from Wallace Drive.

Council increased garbage and recycling fees, with residents to pay $51 per quarter effective Jan. 1. Currently, residents pay $46.50 a quarter.