South Whitehall residents will see an 11-percent rate of increase in their 2016 tax bills.

The new millage rate, 2.49975, will have an increased impact of $70.38 for the owner of a home assessed at the township average of $281,469.

Taxes on that property will be $703.60 in the new year.

The increased taxes will bring in an additional $566,123 revenue for the township.

The rate of taxation was included in the 2016 budget approved 4-1 at the Dec. 16 meeting.

Commissioners Glenn Block, David Bond, Tommy Johns and Christina “Tori” Morgan voted in favor.

Dale Daubert, who for his 25 years on the board fought to avoid a tax increase, voted no.

Last year was the first time since 1991 a tax increase was implemented.

In the general fund, $15.1 million is estimated for expenditures in 2016 and $16 million is expected in receipts.

A general fund balance of $912,788 is set aside for unanticipated expenses.

For the capital reserve fund, estimated expenditures total $1.8 million with $33,283 provided as a reserve fund balance from incoming receipts.

Finance Manager Lenore Horos explained the township has a fiscal stability fund which is similar to a savings account.

“This is a rainy day fund so we can have money if something catastrophic happens,” Horos said.

For 2016, $2.8 million is designated for the fiscal stability fund.

Horos reported South Whitehall anticipates receiving $648,706 from the state liquid fuels fund in the new year.

“This is a grant from the state based on miles of roadway and fuel sales,” Horos said. “It is used for road maintenance.”

Estimated receipts for the refuse-recycling fund add up to $2.4 million. After deducting expenditures, the projected fund balance will be $265,469.

The township is in its last year of a waste hauling contract with J.P. Mascaro.

The annual cost of trash pick up will remain at $280 for residential property owners.

Township Manager Howard Kutzler offered comments on the financial document.

“This is a very lean budget,” Kutzler said. “There are no new full time hires.

“We are investing a good chunk in paving roads.

“There is a modest increase for equipment.

“There will be a 2.75-percent salary increase for non-contracted employees.”

High cost items for 2016 include $180,000 for a pick-up truck with a plow; $200,000 for police cars; and $100,000 for stormwater controls at Broadway and N. Schaeffer Street.

One of the biggest costs is $981,000 for road paving.

“This is a service our residents expect,” Morgan said.