Newtown Township has approved a $16.8 million budget for next year that hikes the average municipal tax bill by $160 to help pay for growth in emergency services. By a 3-2 vote, supervisors OK’d the spending plan, including a 3 mill increase to handle the township’s transition from a volunteer to paid fire department. and a 1 mill hike for emergency medical services. The total 4 mill increase means a $157 annual jump in the average municipal tax bill, or $13 monthly on the average property assessment of $39,000. “A tax increase of 3 mills of real estate tax is proposed in next year’s budget,” said Micah Lewis, township manager, to pay for growth in emergency services. Two additional firefighters were recently hired by the township, bringing to 14 the total number of paid firefighters. The new budget includes a $285,000 contribution to the Newtown Fire Association under the fire protection fund, and a $660,000 contribution to the fire capital fund for future capital purchases, including a new fire truck. The 1 mill increase for the Newtown Emergency Medical Services brings to 2 mills the total for the rescue squad. Newtown EMS had asked its municipality members for an increase in financial contribution to fund purchases and projects not covered for reimbursement like replacing heart monitors. The new township budget also sets aside funding for the hiring of a fu-time IT director and part-time Human Resources Director, as well as restoration of a $350,000 capital line for road work. In addition, there’s a one-time transfer of $450,000 from the general fund to the recreation fund to offset revenue losses. The recreation fund typically had been paid for by developer contributions, something not realized today saids the township. The budget was adopted by a 3-2 vote, with Supervisors John Mack and Phil Calabro dissenting. They sought the slashing of expenditures like the purchase of a new dump truck and four police cars, rather than impose a tax hike. “We’re spending money on items that I’m not sure why we need them right now,” said Mack. ...read more read less