BUTLER TWP — Commissioners repealed the township's nepotism policy Monday, which had blocked the township from hiring family members of current employees.

Township solicitor Rebecca Black said the policy had been around for years, and about two years ago, the commissioners revised the policy for the police department, which was supported by its union members. She said the repealing of the policy means the township can hire anyone qualified for a job now.

“This will be fair across the board and for all departments,” Commissioner Dave Zarnick said.

In other business, the commissioners passed the 2022 township budget, which township manager Tom Knights said does not increase taxes for residents.

Zarnick said the township's bills have gone up, but the township has been able to balance expenses from year to year.

“We pay for street lights. We pay for fire hydrants. Our costs have gone up just like everyone else,” Zarnick said. “With good fiscal management, we have been able to maintain not giving the residents another tax increase.”

Commissioner Sam Zurzolo said the commissioners spend long hours working on the budget. There was a workshop meeting in early-November where the commissioners went over the first draft of the budget.

A few revisions later, which Knights said were small, the commissioners accepted a budget proposal that Zurzolo said is fair to township residents.

“The residents ought to be happy the commissioners do keep a tight hand on the budget and spending the budget,” Zurzolo said. “I don't think they realize how much time and effort is involved.”

Also at this meeting, the township bid farewell to Commissioner Fred Vero, who has served for the past four years. Vero is succeeded by new commissioner Ed Natali.