MIDDLESEX TWP — Fears voiced earlier this year by a number of local municipalities regarding the financial impact of the pandemic seem to be waning. At least, in Middlesex Township.

While reviewing the agenda Wednesday night before township supervisors, township manager Adam Hartwig said things are looking robust for next year. If a large portion of township residents were laid off earlier in the year, it doesn't seem to be showing up in real estate taxes.

“Real estate tax is still coming in as it would for years past,” Hartwig said. “We haven't seen any negative impact.”

Although the amount is unspecified, Hartwig added the township is even expecting an increase in income taxes for next year.

“Which is good,” Hartwig said.

Supervisors agreed with Hartwig.

On the agenda was a request from Middlesex Township Volunteer Fire Company for the supervisors to consider selling a utility terrain vehicle.The UTV is a 2013 model with about 87 hours and 137 miles, initially purchased a few years ago for brush fire and rescue. Mike Huber, fire chief, said the UTV doesn't serve the company's needs as well as it should.“It's too long for what we want it for,” Huber said. “We can't even maneuver it through woods and trees.”The vehicle seats six people, according to Huber. He said the department in the past has had to cut trees down to get the UTV where it needs to go.“We're possibly looking to maybe get a smaller, shorter one,” Huber said.Still, Huber said that would be a few years in the future.Huber said in the meantime, the department has access to UTVs through mutual aid agreements with other area departments. So far this year, according to Huber, Middlesex's UTV hasn't been used.Supervisor Chairman Mike Spreng said he had a hard time justifying selling the vehicle when it could last “another 15 or 20 years.”“I don't see why it needs sold,” Spreng said. “I can't see it.”Spreng also expressed concerns that the department has a box trailer and shed specific to the UTV. Hartwig suggested the trailer could be converted into a rehab unit for “extended duration events.”“It's doable,” Huber said.The supervisors encouraged Huber to “regroup” with other department members about the situation.“We'll rethink it,” Huber said. “No problem on this end.”

Township engineer Jeff Mikesic said the GP-11 permit for the Overbrook Road culvert renovation project has been submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The permit pertains to the repair and maintenance of water obstructions and encroachments.Mikesic said he hopes the DEP will get in touch in 30 to 60 days. The permit application was submitted two weeks ago, according to Mikesic.Replacing the Overbrook Road culvert has been an ongoing discussion in the township.