At the Dec. 3 Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting, a 2020 budget discussion was listed near the end of the agenda. It was already a long meeting and was further lengthened by budget talks.

Township Manager Nicholas Steiner presented elements of the budget. Steiner noted the township faces many needed upgrades in numerous areas of its operations.

Steiner appealed for a 2-mill tax hike for 2020. The current rate is 4 mills.

The hike for the median assessed property will raise taxes $112 per year.

A long, challenging discussion ensued. It included statements among supervisors about running a no-tax-hike position in the recent electoral campaign. A supervisor stated that now the elected supervisor supports a 50-percent hike. Comments continued back and forth between two supervisors regarding their positions during the election campaign.

Many residents in attendance supported the tax hike, indicating the current tax rate is low considering the township operates a police department. Several residents acknowledged improvements are needed and can only be remedied with the tax increase.

Another resident noted a tax hike is the only way to move the township forward.

A senior citizen present weighed in, saying, “Do the tax hike.”

Supervisor Richard K. Gable staked out an opposing position. Gable said a 2-mill hike will hurt senior citizens. He went on to say he would support a 1-mill hike but not the suggested 2 mills. Taxes were raised in 2011 and 2016.

Steiner, in his appeal, reported, “The way we are doing things at the state (level) is different [from] how we do things here.”

He went on to say pension, salary and benefit costs need to be addressed. Roof repairs are needed at the municipal building, IT improvements and a new server are needed for the police department and there is a need for a public works director.

“We are using Windows 7, which is outdated, and we need a public works director,” Steiner noted.

It is expected possible mold remediation in the municipal building may cost more than $6,000. There is no capital fund, and a viable rainy day fund is near nonexistent. There are many street repairs needed.

After Steiner’s presentation, public debate and division among the supervisors, there was obvious hand wringing and palpable trepidation among the supervisors as they prepared to vote. Board Chair Daniel Piorkowski made the motion for the 2-mill tax hike, seconded by Supervisor David Shaffer. Gable voted no.

The projected tax hike passed 2-1.

At 5:30 p.m. Dec. 30, at a public special meeting, the supervisors will have a final vote on the budget. The public meeting will be at the Moore Township Municipal Building, 2491 Community Drive.