There is more good news for the 2015 Salisbury Township budget.

Salisbury Township Manager Randy Soriano, in updated figures provided to The Press, said the surplus is $764,997.

Soriano's proposed $12,773,070 budget for 2015 keeps taxes at 1.611 mills overall.

The general fund millage for funding a $7,142,720 general operating budget would remain at 1.34 mills.

The contribution to the fire fund, based on .208 of a mill would be $37.40.

The contribution to the library fund, which supports the Allentown Public Library, at .060 of a mill would be $10.80.

Soriano, in an email to The Press, stated, "We are projecting more revenues in the following revenues streams:"

Real estate transfer taxes: $290,000 more as a result of the $23.4-million sale in June of the South Mall by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust to Nicholas Park Mall LCC, which Soriano called a "one-time event" generating $202,000 in real estate transfer taxes for the township;

Earned income taxes: $297,000 more, "probably due to more people working. This is driven by the economy," Soriano stated, and

Transfers from other funds were not needed: $22,000.

This resulted in $604,000 additional revenue received in 2014 than budgeted, according to Soriano.

Expenses for 2014 also saw changes, Soriano stated:

General government: $100,000 savings, primarily in engineering line items ($49,000); saving from not filling the custodian position ($31,000); and administration personnel savings ($24,000) since retirement incentives were not used.

The police department budget was overspent by $105,000 (with $46,000 in overtime) and $26,000 in police vehicles.

The general fund budget is projected to spend $191,000 less than budgeted.

"We are probably going to have a good ending year balance," Soriano told commissioners during a 45-minute budget workshop at a special Nov. 6 township meeting.

Soriano is recommending the surplus be used to fund capital expenses in 2015 and not to offset ongoing operational spending. Commissioners seem to agree.

The proposed 2015 spending plan funds technology upgrades for township departments, replacement of heavy equipment, and improvements to township infrastructure.

"My feeling is that we've been beating up on the departments for the past few years," Commissioner Robert Martucci, Jr. said. "I think it's fine," Martucci said of the 2015 budget plan.

"Randy, I think you did a good job," Commissioner Vice President Debra Brinton said, who chaired the Nov. 6 meeting in the absence of Commissioner President James A. Brown.

"I think it's become a more streamlined project because we get together with the manager and assistant manager," Salisbury Township Police Chief Allen W. Stiles said.

If commissioners approve the 2015 budget and millage rate, the owner of a home assessed at $180,000 will continue to pay $241.56.

Commissioners are to review the budget 7 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20. After these meetings are held, the budget will be available for public review.

There is no Nov. 27 township meeting because of the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

Soriano plans for the budget to be approved at the Dec. 18 meeting.

December meetings are at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 18.