Dec 11, 2002 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

GERMAN TWP – During a brief session held Tuesday, the township supervisors approved the 2003 budget for the township and noted that there will not be a tax increase for residents in the coming year. Township supervisor Dan Shimshock said that the finalized budget for the coming year is $674,130 and that millage would remain at the current rate of 1.146 mils.

Shimshock said the budget is very similar to last years’ and noted that the supervisors were able to cover all projected expenditures without raising taxes, although the law provided for a 5 percent increase.

The supervisors also announced that progress is being made toward beginning construction on the Browns Run Trail.

Dan Koffman of Widmer Engineering told the supervisors that the engineering phase of the project is almost complete and that the township is now waiting for PennDOT approval to move forward into construction.

“We have made good prgress on the trail,” he said.

The trail, which begins on Route 21 near the Lardin House Restaurant and ends 2 1/2 miles later in Ronco, will be open for foot traffic, horseback riding and bicycling. According to Koffman, the trail is part of a larger plan to develop a trail that runs all the way to Georges Township and the first section should be completed in the summer of 2003.

The supervisors also conducted the following business:

-Re-appointed Andrew Kormanik as the German Township representative for the German-Masontown Public Library for the next three years.

-Announced that the reorganization meeting for the township will be held Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. at the township municipal building.

-Announced that the German Township Fire Departments will host this year’s Fireman’s Convention held from July 13 to 20. The activities will be divided throughout the fire departments in the township with the majority of events being held at the McClellandtown Volunteer Fire Department.