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North Huntingdon commissioners move to reduce taxes
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Property owners in North Huntingdon will probably pay less in real estate taxes next year because of a move by the township commissioners.
On Wednesday night, the commissioners discussed making three changes to their preliminary 2013 budget.
Commissioner Rich Gray said after the meeting that the first change, to lower township real estate taxes from 10.23 mills to 9.23 mills, would reduce real estate taxes paid to the township by $351,906 next year.
He explained why the commissioners want to lower taxes.
"For a number of years, we've been taking in more money than we've been spending," he said. "Our unencumbered reserve has grown significantly because of all the development."
"We want to stop taking from the taxpayer if we don't need it, basically," he said after the meeting.
The second change to the preliminary budget would involve adding $400,000 to North Huntingdon's 2013 paving program from the township's general fund reserve, and the third change to the budget is a proposal to pay off the loan for construction of the North Huntingdon public works building early.
Township Manager John Shepherd said if the township pays off the remaining principal in the $1.8 million loan within 60 days, North Huntingdon would save $530,000 in interest on the loan over the next 13 years.
Commissioners' President Lee Moffatt and Vice President Zach Haigis said they approve of all three changes to the budget. Mr. Shepherd will have a preliminary budget with the changes ready for a November vote.
After that, the public will be able to read and comment on the budget, and commissioners will probably vote on the final 2013 budget in December, Mr. Gray said.
First Published October 17, 2012 11:01 pm
