Jackson Township approves 2026 budget for another year with a steady tax rate

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The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors on Dec. 15 approved a 2026 budget that keeps the local tax rate steady at 0.1801 mills.

Supervisor Thomas Houtz said the approved budget is the same as the advertised version. It shows $1,999,000 for both expected income and revenue.

Read More: Jackson Township to advertise 2026 budget with no tax increase

The largest portion of expected revenue is earned income taxes at $1,370,000. The township expects $190,000 through real estate taxes, $160,000 from real estate transfer taxes, and $110,000 from cable TV franchise fees. The remaining income comes from per capita taxes, licenses and permits, fines and violations, interest, fuel sales, and “other income” sources.

Expenditures are more evenly divided, with $320,000 going toward health insurance to make up the largest percentage. Streets and highways and general payrolls are estimated at $210,000 each, and general government and equipment are each set at $200,000.

The liquid fuels fund shows $329,322 in both revenues and expenditures. Expenses will go toward streets and highways. Recreation is balanced at $7,500, and the sewer fund is balanced at $1,510,000.

The budget also lists two major projects for 2026 — $150,000 for a Ram 5500 Dump Truck and $150,000 for the continued development of Wheatland Woods Lot 107. Houtz said they budgeted for a dump truck, but they won’t be getting the dump option in the new year.

He previously said that 2026 will be a fairly quiet year for major township projects paid for out of the general fund because the major vehicle replacements are already finished. Road paving is paid for out of the liquid fuels account.

Houtz said township taxes have not been raised for at least 30 years.

The approved budget is available in its entirety below.

In other business, supervisors:

• Voted to keep streetlight and fire hydrant tax consistent in 2026.
• Approved the Jay and Miriam Weaver subdivision plan, which proposes to subdivide three around-1-acre lots out of the total 80.5 acres.
• Accepted Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc.’s hourly rates. Supervisors said it will mostly be the sewer authority using their engineering consulting services.
• Voted to make the second payment to Woodland Contractors for their work on Wheatland Woods lot 107. Engineer Stephen Sherk said the payment would be $67,860, leaving a balance of $64,297. The remaining balance, he said, is mostly for paving.
• Approved the requested waivers for the Roy and Joan Oberholzer minor subdivision and land development plan.
• Passed a proclamation recognizing road foreman Tim Hibshman for his 34 years of service.

The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors will meet next for its reorganization and regular meeting at 60 N. Ramona Road on Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.