Salisbury Township plans to pave several roads, continue waterline upgrades and may close one of its recycling drop-off centers as officials reviewed the public works department’s proposed 2027 budget Oct. 22.

Public Works Director Jim Levernier and Finance Director Paul Ziegenfus outlined department projects during a board of commissioners workshop.

The police department budget was presented during the Oct. 6 workshop. Budget presentations for the community development and information technology departments are expected Nov. 24. Commissioners will meet Nov. 24 instead of Nov. 26 because township offices will be closed for Thanksgiving.

“For the most part, my budget is similar to last year’s,” Levernier said.

Among the department’s largest planned expenditures are paving projects and equipment purchases. Proposed paving work includes roads in the Fountain Hill section of the township, 33rd Street, portions of Debbie Lane, Kingsbridge Lane and Buckingham Drive.

“Asphalt is hit with higher oil prices,” Levernier said, noting uncertainty in future paving costs.

Road salt remains another significant expense. The township uses approximately 1,200 tons of salt each winter. Levernier said last winter’s conditions led to heavy salt usage, but the township has surplus supplies remaining and expects its larger salt storage facility to hold enough material for an entire season.

Public works officials also discussed ongoing infrastructure improvements.

“We’re doing 1,500 to 3,000 feet of waterline replacement per year,” Levernier said.

The township maintains about 62 miles of water lines. Levernier said the western portion of the township is more susceptible to sinkholes because of underlying limestone geology, while the eastern side is built on granite.

The township also must comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations requiring an inventory of lead and copper service lines. Levernier said about 2,000 of the township’s 3,500 service connections have been inventoried.

“We have quite a bit of work to do,” Levernier said.

He added that all lead service lines must be removed from the system by 2037 but said he does not expect the mandate to create major challenges for Salisbury Township.

Officials are also considering closing the Devonshire Drop-Off Recycling Center while continuing recycling operations at the Franko Park Drop-Off Recycling Center. Levernier said the township spends about 880 labor hours and $5,000 annually hauling brush collected at recycling sites.

“We would eliminate hauling,” Levernier said.

Commissioners also acknowledged the death of former Public Works Director John M. Andreas, who retired in 2021 and died Oct. 18 at age 65.

“He was a very nice man. He will be missed,” board President Debra J. Brinton said.