Township Budget
Each year Council and the Township staff invest considerable time and effort in developing a budget that prudently allocates limited financial resources in a manner designed to best meet the needs and desires of the community. The budget process is defined and guided by the Peters Township Home Rule Charter. It is a reflection of long-term planning initiatives such as the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Comprehensive Recreation Plan. It draws from input from standing advisory boards, Township staff, and residents. Most importantly, it contains the insights and contributions of the Peters Township Council which are expressed not only at budget workshops but throughout the eters Township
PETERS TOWNSHIP NEWS
year.
REVENUES The ability of the municipal government to achieve its goals is determined by its capacity to raise funds.
In 2018 it is estimated that 68 % of Peters Township’ s total revenues of $ 19,221,876 will be derived from taxes. The Township anticipates collecting $ 13,066,620 in taxes. Of the taxes levied, Earned Income Tax and the Real Estate Tax are the most significant.
The Earned Income Tax is a one-half percent(. 5 %) tax levied against the wages earned by Township residents. In 2018, Earned Income Tax will account for $ 6,028,450 or 46 % of the taxes levied for general government functions.
The Real Estate Tax is a tax levied against the assessed valuation of real estate property located in the Township. The responsibility for establishing the assessed value of properties rests with Washington County. In November 2017, Washington County certified the aggregated assessed value of all properties in Peters Township to be $ 3,136,357,352. Each individual taxpayer has the right to challenge the assessed value that has been assigned to their property. Peters Township anticipates appeals continuing into 2018, though appeals for commercial properties which have the largest potential for eroding the Township’ s aggregate assessed value are likely to see a sharp decline from 2017 levels. The budgeted receipt from Real Estate Tax assumes a property tax millage of 1.622 mills, which
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represents a 0.1 mill increase over the 2017 millage rate. This is anticipated to generate an additional $ 313,636 in revenue for the Township, which will offset the annual debt service payments of roughly $ 330,000 for the purchase of Rolling Hills Park. The average homeowner will see an annual increase in property taxes of $ 34.
PROGRAM EXPENSES
Within the chart of accounts promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, municipalities are encouraged to group program expenses into one( 1) of four( 4) categories. These program categories are General Government, Protection to Person and Property, Public Works, and Culture & Recreation. In addition to these four( 4) program areas, the budget includes expenses related to debt service and insurance and employee benefits. Total budgeted expenses for 2018 are $ 22,497,124.
In 2018, expenses associated with Protection to Persons and Property account for $ 6,442,410 or 29 % of all expenses. Programs contained in the Public Safety category include Police Services, Fire Services, Planning, Emergency Medical Services, Animal Control, and Zoning Building Inspection.
Public Works expenses in 2018 are estimated to be $ 6,352,970 or 28 % of total expenses. A significant portion of this amount is associated with capital improvements including the resurfacing of roadways and the rehabilitation of storm sewers.
Programs included under the category of Culture and Recreation, are the Peters Township Library, Parks & Recreation, and Peters Township Community Television. In 2018, expenses for Culture and Recreation are estimated to be $ 3,648,874 or 16 % of the expenses.
The 2018 Budget contains an ambitious capital improvement plan. Expenditures for capital projects accounts total $ 5,572,511 and account for 25 % of all expenditures. Several projects of note include the design and permitting for a new roadway through Rolling Hills Park, repair of a concrete arch culvert under the Arrowhead Trail near Sugar Camp Road, renovations to Fire Station # 1, reconstruction of a playground and shelter in Peterswood Park and the McMurray Town Center Streetscape.