During the virtual board commissioners meeting for Lower Macungie Township Dec. 17, 2020, the 2021 budget was approved with no real estate tax increase.

The real estate tax will remain at .50 mills with no change for the year 2021.

The library tax will remain at .25 mills with no increase for 2021. The tax is used solely for library needs.

The Homestead Exemption Act, which excludes an amount from the assessed value, increased by $25. The amount to be exempted is $117,800.

The 2021 fee schedule was also approved.

Commissioner President Ronald W. Beitler thanked everyone on staff for their work on the budget, especially Bruce Beitel, township manager.

In other meeting news, a conditional use hearing for the proposed Macungie Manor will be held Jan. 7.

Mike Dattilio sent a letter stating he will not seek re-appointment to the public safety commission.

Community Action Committee of Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board thanked Lower Macungie Township for its contribution.

Emmaus Ambulance Corps also thanked Lower Macungie Township for a grant donation.

Santa visited Lower Macungie neighborhoods Dec. 19, 2020. The visit was made possible by Station 30 where the routes were established and Santa was picked up.

There was an executive session regarding land acquisition.