Scott Twp. Approves 2013 Budget
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Scott commissioners voted unanimously to approve their proposed 2013 budget at the board’s regular meeting on Dec. 27. The municipality’s 2013 budget projects total revenue at $8,176,252 and total expenses at $9,925,276. With the 2012 carryover ending fund balance of $1,749,028 as the 2013 beginning fund balance, the 2013 proposed ending fund balance is $4.
The board also voted unanimously to adopt the 2013 tax levy ordinance, setting the township’s millage rate at 4.457 mills, with 0.0776 mills designated for the township’s library. Prior to the vote, the board discussed the impact that appeals to the county’s property assessments could have on the process.
Based on Allegheny County assessment figures for 2013, property in Scott is valued at $1.1 billion. Because many property owners are appealing their assessments, Scott officials increased their 2012 assessed property value by 15 percent and used that figure, approximately $908 million, as the number to use when trying to set millage.
Township manager Denise Fitzgerald commented, “This is going to be a moving target.” She reminded the board that the figures being used are estimates, since the township doesn’t have the final figures yet.
Township solicitor Bob McTiernan said that taxing bodies have until 10 days before the final tax bills are sent out or until June 15, whichever is earlier, to set the final millage rate.
Commissioner Bill Wells said that the board needed to set a date to review the millage rate prior to sending out 2013 tax notices. The board voted unanimously to review the township millage rate at their April agenda meeting and to vote on the rate at their April regular meeting.
In other business, the board voted to change their sewer billing from monthly bills to quarterly bills. Residents should see their first quarterly sewer bill for October, November, and December 2012 in mid-January.
In a unanimous vote, the board awarded the insurance contract for the township’s commercial liability, public officials, workers compensation and police liability insurance for a period of two years, effective Jan. 1, 2013, to C.W. Howard.