Cranberry Approves Tentative 2013 Budget with No Tax Increases

Tax rates should remain the same for Cranberry Township residents in 2013.

At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, officials unanimously approved a There could be minor increases in user fees for recreational programs.

Officials will consider final adoption of the budget at their next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center.

Budget revenues are estimated at $17,238, 266 in 2013, with expenses estimated at the same amount.

Real estate taxes would remain at 13 mils under the plan, including 8.03 mils for the general fund, 1 mil for public buildings, .85 mil for road maintenance equipment, 1 mil for the library and 2.12 mils for the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company.

Each mill brings in about $363,000 in revenue for the township, according to Cranberry manager Jerry Andree. The township is projecting a 5 percent growth in revenues in 2013 and a 4 percent increase in expenditures during the fiscal year.

The budget will now be on display to the public for 20 days. It also may be found online on the Cranberry Township website. For a full look at the budget, click here.

Cranberry is holding the line on taxes for next year after an increase in 2012.

Last year, officials voted 4-1 to raise real estate taxes by 2.35 mils in order to increase funding for the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company, Cranberry Public Library and road maintenance. It was the first time the township has raised taxes since 2004, when officials raised property taxes by 1.5 mils.

At the time, officials said restore some services the library lost in 2011 and support the first year in a three-year capital improvement project plan.

What do you think of the budget? Are pleased there will be no tax increases this year? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.