The 2016 budget was approved with a vote of 3-2 at the Dec. 17 meeting of the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners.

The budget was passed with an increase from one-third of a mill to one-half of a mill for residents to be used for capital improvements.

Township Manager Bruce Fosselman said the township has “1,100 acres of township owned property, 29 parks (including 20 basketball courts, 17 baseball/softball fields, 15 tennis courts, 13 soccer fields and five volleyball courts), a community swimming pool, four community center facilities, a library with a township contribution of over $475,000 per year, 131 miles of roads to maintain, 26 miles of bike/walking paths and over $6 million of equipment.”

Fosselman also said, “The township has an aggressive schedule of capital projects and equipment purchases in 2016 including a new street sweeper ($200,000), a new dump truck ($225,000) and a myriad of other small equipment purchases to help the township maintain the day-to-day operations of local government.

“Over $900,000 in traffic safety improvements have been allocated in the 2016 budget; $750,000 will be spent on township road improvements, $500,000 for potential land preservation, $300,000 for improvements to Camp Olympic (including the first township dog park), $250,000 for the continuation of the sewer infiltration and inflow rehabilitation project, $240,000 for bike/walking trails, $200,000 for continued upgrades on various bridges in the township, $100,000 for new playground equipment at Church Lane Park and $100,000 for lights at Wescosville ballparks.”

Fosselman said, “Given the enormity of the township services being provided, the $96 million in assets that make up the township’s infrastructure and the level of commitment required for the 31,500 residents of the township, a real estate tax for capital projects is both warranted and justified.”

President Brian Higgins voted against the budget as there is a tax increase involved as did Commissioner James Lancsek for the same reason. Higgins said although it is a small increase, he vowed to never allow for one. Lanscek said the increase was not needed.

Commissioner Ron Beitler said the Homestead Act helped to keep tax increase to a minimum by shifting tax burdens to large warehouses and shopping centers.

There will be no increase in rates for sewer and refuse in 2016.

The Earned Income Tax of one percent of salaries, wages, commissions and other compensation earned by residents will not change for 2016.

The board is increasing the homestead tax exemption to $111,300. This is the maximum amount permitted by law. This tax was initiated to provide tax relief to residential homeowners. For example, if a home is valued at $350,000, the homestead tax exemption will be $111,380 and the homeowner will only see an increase on $238,700. Commercial and industrial properties are not permitted to participate.

The 2016 fee schedule was approved with opposition to the permit fee for constructing swing sets or play structures. The reason for the permit is to make sure these items were not constructed in an easement or placed in front yards. The permit was continued without a fee.

Scott Alderfer was honored for his seven years with the Environmental Advisory Council.

Lancsek was also honored for his service to the township. He spent four years as commissioner and 20 as the zoning officer.

The final plan for the Fields of Indian Creek was approved with Beitler voting against this. This development is in three municipalities which includes Emmaus, Upper Milford and Lower Macungie and is located on Indian Creek Road near the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The construction will take place in phases.

RCN notified the township of a rate increase effective with the January 2016 billing. Limited basic cable will increase monthly by $2; Signature Cable will increase monthly by $3 and various equipment charges may increase by $1. In correspondence to the township, RCN said “the cost of providing programming continues to rise at record rates due to the carriage fee increases demanded by cable networks and local broadcast television stations. The cost to provide channels like ESPN, FOX, AMC and other cable networks will rise more than 10 times the rate of inflation.”

The Broadcast TV Surcharge will increase by $1.80 to $7.78. The Sports Surcharge will increase by $1.60 to $5.57. The Entertainment Networks Surcharge will incrase by $2.60 to $4.60.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation made a decision on the request for a stop sign at Brookhaven stating it is considered not necessary due to traffic volume. The township will conduct its own study.

Jimmy Schrantz, a deployed Air Force Airman, sent a letter of thanks for care packages received. Township Manager Bruce Fosselman said 115 boxes were packaged and sent out stateside as well as Afghanistan and Africa.

The new Pump Park at Camp Olympic was inspected. The inspectors gave the township many compliments on the park.

The commissioners have restructured the public safety commission. The commission has been eliminated. There are now two committees: the Public Works Park and Facilities committee and the Public Works Roads and Sewers committee.

The township renewed the contract for animal control. The Sanctuary at Haafsville signed a contract to assist with this task.