Jackson Township’s proposed 2024 budget anticipates a surplus of just over $200,000, as well as no tax increase for residents.

“We’re holding the line on taxes this year,” township manager Chris Rearick said. “We do have a .5 mill increase in the fire tax; this is something we committed to a year or two ago.”

Harmony Fire District serves Jackson Township alongside Lancaster Township, Harmony and Zelienople. Jackson’s fire tax increase raises the rate from 2.5 mills to 3 mills.

“It’s to keep it in line with our neighbors,” Rearick said. “We’ve all committed to 3 mills.”

In a statement accompanying the budget, Rearick said the average resident would only see a $10 annual increase.

“The increased one-half mill will equate to approximately $10 per year for an average residential property assessed at $20,000 of base year dollars,” he said, “and is dedicated solely to use by the Fire District.”

Overall revenue for 2024 is expected to be $7,877,211, outpacing an anticipated $7,668,745 in expenditures by $208,466.

Police services are the borough’s chief expense, totaling $1,700,460 with the addition of a new full-time officer and police vehicle.

“An additional police officer is programmed for the 2024 year, given increases in incidents and consideration of officer safety,” the budget statement read, “mainly the goal is to schedule at least two officers per shift.”

The township also anticipates a capital reserve fund of $3,007,881 in 2024.

A total of $455,000 in capital reserve funds has been allocated for the “acquisition of an approximately 40-acre tract in the Swampoodle area” near Spring Street.

“The Township expects to close on the property early 2024,” the statement read, “and will actively seek funds to develop portions of the site as active playing fields, trails, and conservation areas.”

An additional $700,000 will fund a concession stand at Sippel Reservoir Park, trails and sidewalks near Tollgate Road and new trail connections.

The borough is also allocating $300,000 of capital reserve funds for a realignments project at Pattison Street, with the remainder of the $574,000 project being funded by traffic-impact fees, highway aid and incentive zoning fees.

“The 2024 project includes engineering, design, permitting, and property acquisition and construction of the realignment of Hartzell Road intersection with Pattison Street extension,” the statement read, “and ‘Devil’s Elbow’ immediately to the south.”

A further $300,000 will support stormwater improvements near German Street, the two stormwater basins on Tollgate School Road and the Swampoodle wetlands.

The proposed budget anticipates $514,300 will remain in the capital reserve fund at the end of 2024.

“In 2024, we look forward to undertaking significant infrastructure projects, maintaining services, and engaging in public input, outreach and facilitation in the development of Township plans for the future,” the budget statement read.

Supervisors will vote on the proposed budget at the township’s Dec. 21 meeting.