Oct 1, 2013 By Linda Metz for The 2 min read

PERRY TWP. — Township supervisors Tuesday night approved a 2014 tentative budget that once again calls for no tax increase.

The supervisors unanimously approved the $723,360 spending plan, keeping township property tax rates at 1.126 mills. The budget includes money for the purchase of a new service truck and a back hoe and a down payment on a new township building should the supervisors decide to move forward with the project.

“The only real change is liquid fuels funding. It’s down by about $3,000,” said Supervisor Janet Galla.

According to board Chairman A.J. Boni, the township has not raised taxes for at least 13 years.

In other business, the supervisors agreed to issuing an occupational permit to Liptak Construction for the a building of a 40-by100-foot structure on Route 51, south of Big Barn Country Store but under the stipulation that Liptak must provide a security bond and stipulate that if the project does not meet stormwater management specifications.

The building will house District Judge Richard Kasunic Jr.’s office and an additional 1,200 square feet of rental space. “They need to be open sometime in December,” Boni said.

Boni also gave an update on Banning Road resident’s inquiry into water line extension in their area. He said the state Department of Environmental Protection is planning to do testing on the residents’ well while the township looks to secure an engineer to develop a plan for the project.

“We need a plan before we can go to PENNVEST for possible funding,” Boni explained.

In 2010, Banning Road was included in a $3.1 million project that brought water to residents in Perry, Franklin and Lower Tyrone townships. A water line was laid on all but 7,800 feet of Banning Road, leaving the remaining residents on the road to rely on well water.

The estimated cost of extending the water line is $675,000.

The supervisors also set trick-or-treat for 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 27. The annual Halloween parade will follow at 4 p.m. at the circle in Perryopolis.

Finally, the supervisors approved the spending of $50,503 to purchase a new 2014 Ford F-350 service truck from Woltz & Wind Ford of Heidelberg. The township will advertise for bids to sell its old truck. Minimum bid for the truck is $17,000.