The Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners approved the 2014 budget Dec. 5 by a 3-2 vote.

Vice President Ryan Conrad and Commissioner Roger Reis voted against the budget due to the real estate tax.

A presentation by Township Manager Bruce Fosselman detailed the reasons for the real estate tax including a population increase from 19,200 residents in 2002 to 31,500 residents currently.

A new street sweeper is needed as well as a dump truck to replace the 1989 model.

Fosselman said "the real estate tax has always been there. It is just being increased."

Joe Pugliese, former commissioner, said "he is divided on this. Population and over development caused the school population to increase. We caused this."

Brian Higgins agreed with everyone. "But now, the earned income tax cannot be raised. That would take 18 months to two years."

Ron Beitler said it costs money to implement the Home Rule Charter and the EIT.

In September, Conrad proposed other alternatives so he was "not simply voting no."

President Ron Eichenberg said the real estate tax is fair. "If you have more money, you can buy a better house."

Reis said "once you start this, there is no stopping. There are 28 to 30 taxes people pay. We have not done enough to cut costs, although the staff does a wonderful job." He said he would vote "no" to the budget. The audience applauded.

Commissioner Doug Brown said "this tax has always been there. It is increasing an already established tax."

There were several letters about the tax; some saying the tax would be difficult for senior citizens, others suggeted raising the EIT and some suggested cutting spending. Some were in favor of the tax.

Also discussed were large companies who will now participate in the real estate tax.

Along with the budget approval, came the fee schedule for 2014. Increases were necessary but the legal fee schedule was questioned. Solicitor Richard Somach was questioned about the substantial increase. Somach said "the work will be given to lesser paid attorneys."

The Kratzer Farm subdivision was approved by a 3-2 vote. Julie McDonell questioned selling the house in the middle of a property. "It makes no sense," McDonell said.

There is a request to stop truck traffic beyond Scenic View Drive on Gehman Road to eliminate trucks from using Mountain Road as an alternate route.

It was noted a truck crashed into a corner of a barn on a difficult turn onto Mountain Road. Signs will be posted before Scenic View Road.

Brown and Commissioner James Lancsek thanked Reis for his service on their committees.

A request has been made to apply for funding for replacement street trees for Millbrook Farms at no cost to the township.