Upper St. Clair commissioners last night approved an $18.4 million spending plan for next year, including a real estate tax increase of 1.2 mills, bringing total millage to 4.6 mills.

The tax increase was needed to address lost revenue, along with the cost of providing township-funded garbage hauling services for all residents.

Voting in favor were Ched Mertz, Glenn Dandoy, Robert O. Orchowski and Preston W. Shimer. Dissenting were Karen M. McElhinny and Kenneth L. Brown. Commissioner Russell Del Re was absent.

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