Township Budget Draft Holds the Line on Taxes but Trims Road Paving
Eastwick’s draft township budget would keep the local property tax rate unchanged for the coming year, but it does so partly by reducing the road resurfacing schedule, a trade-off that surfaced pointed questions during the first budget review.
Officials presenting the plan said holding the rate flat required difficult choices as costs for insurance, fuel, and contracted services rose. The paving reduction was among the largest single savings identified.
Where the money moves
- The property tax rate would remain unchanged from the current year
- Road resurfacing miles would be cut compared with last year’s plan
- Funding for the volunteer emergency squad would increase modestly
- A reserve transfer would cover part of the rising insurance costs
Residents from West Eastwick, where several ridge roads have deteriorated, urged the council to protect paving funds, arguing that deferred maintenance costs more in the long run. Staff responded that the worst-rated roads would still be prioritized under the reduced schedule.
The council will hold additional budget workshops before a required public hearing and final adoption. Department heads have been asked to identify any further savings that would not affect core services.
Related: Town Hall · Old Mill District rezoning debate
Further reading: Government budgets
