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Swatara Township supervisors on Nov. 14 voted unanimously to approve the 2025 budget, which includes a real estate tax increase of nearly 10 percent.
The 9.8 percent tax hike was enacted at the meeting without much discussion among officials.
The millage rate, which was 1.23 in 2024, is rising to 1.35 in 2025.
Township manager Jennifer Harding said the expected revenue and expenditures will be about $2 million with the tax increase, LebTown previously reported.
Read More: Swatara Township to advertise 2025 budget, will likely raise taxes by 10%
She said the incoming funds will go toward constructing a new township building and purchasing a new roadside mower.
The township submitted grant requests to cover some of these expenses, but they haven’t been awarded yet. The township has to prepare to cover all payments, officials explained.
Following the Nov. 14 meeting, township officials did not respond to requests for further comment about the reasons for the tax increase.
In other business, the board voted unanimously to:
- Replace three damaged guide rails in the township. The total cost is $8,095, but they might get some of this money back from insurance.
- Enter into an intermunicipal agreement with the Lebanon County Treasurer’s Office, which handles real estate tax billing. It will increase the rate per bill from 75 cents to $1. Municipalities throughout the county are being asked to make this change to keep up with increasing postage costs.
The Swatara Township Board of Supervisors will have its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at 68 Supervisors Drive.
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