By DOUGLAS GRAVES

Special to The Press

Upper Macungie supervisors approved in a 3-0 vote the township’s 2022 budget at their regular meeting on Dec. 2.

The $39.4 million spending plan includes $4.9 million for the recreation fund; $2.6 million for the refuse and recycling fund; and $2.2 million earmarked for the sewage fund.

No money is allocated for open space preservation for 2022.

There is no tax increase in the budget for next year.

The millage rate will remain at .64 on each dollar of accessed property evaluation.

However, when added to the repeal of the fire hydrant tax, the total tax bill for residents will be slightly reduced for 2022.

The 40-year-old tax accessed .1 mill or about $20 per year per owner of “improved property” within 780 feet of a fire hydrant to pay for fire hydrants and water.

This 1981 law created a fire hydrant district comprising the entire township, but now supervisors have deemed this expense will be met by the Upper Macungie Township General Fund.

The repeal eliminates the fire hydrant district and the fire hydrant tax effective Jan. 1, 2022.

Supervisors also approved a motion to accept a donation from the South Parkland Youth Association for LED lights for Grange Park along Grange Road.

The board set Jan. 3, 2022, as the reorganization date for the township government.

At that time, officers will officially take an oath of office for the following year.

The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by the regular meeting.