Nov 14, 2002 By Christine Haines 2 min read

REDSTONE TWP. – Rising health insurance and declining income tax revenue will make for a tight budget year in Redstone Township in 2003. The supervisors Wednesday adopted a tentative budget of $635,496.52, down more than $106,000 from what was actually spent in 2001.

“Wage tax is down 10 percent and Blue Cross is up 14 percent,” said Supervisor Ray Paris.

Still, the township will keep property taxes steady next year.

“We’re trimming stuff,” said Ralph Rice, chairman of the supervisors.

Rice said the township will need to watch the spending in all departments next year. There won’t be much left for extras or unexpected expenses. Supervisor Larry Williams said some maintenance will be able to be deferred next year.

“It’s fortunate we’ve got good roads and a good fleet of vehicles,” Williams said.

In other matters, the supervisors adopted a resolution naming Widmer Engineering as the firm that will handle the township’s 2002 Community Development Block Grant program, including the Main Street improvement project in Republic.

The supervisors also approved a mercantile license for Lenny Pasquale to operate Lenny’s Custom Auto Body at 6260 National Pike, Grindstone.

Williams abstained from voting on the license since Pasquale is his son.

Rice reported that new playground equipment is being installed at the township park along New Salem Road.

The equipment is behind the picnic pavilion on the left field side of the ball field. Rice said additional safety material is needed under the playground equipment, but the play area will be ready for children in the spring.

Code Enforcement Officer Robert Stogran said that he issued nine citations for garbage, two for unsafe structures, two for high grass or weeds and one for abandoned vehicles during October.

The Noah’s Ark animal shelter received 10 complaints from the township and patrolled 11 hours.

The shelter picked up 14 dogs and 17 cats in the township in October and issued four warnings.