The decision of the Liberty Township supervisors in Mercer County to do away with the property tax for 2006 cannot go unnoticed, despite the fact that the township doesn't have many of the financial pressures most other municipalities face.

The supervisors' opinion that if the money isn't needed it shouldn't be collected is a refreshing attitude amid the other tax obligations township residents face.

The decision for this year doesn't promise that the move is permanent or even long term — and that is as it should be. The supervisors will weigh the tax status each year at budget time.

But even a temporary respite from paying the tax is a welcome change.

Supervisor Dave Beatty attributed the township's ability to operate without a property tax to good management. The supervisors handle much of the maintenance that the municipality carries out.

Because of the supervisors' work, the township doesn't have to employ any full-time workers — and thus avoids many of the costs associated with having a full-time staff.

According to the supervisors, for 2006, regular township costs, including employee wages and road maintenance, will be paid from surplus funds, which currently total approximately $400,000, as well as from proceeds from the wage tax and state reimbursements.

The township receives approximately $73,000 annually from the state.

"We've been running a surplus for a number of years now," said Ron Faull, supervisors chairman. "We'll eat that down a little."

Township residents should thank the supervisors for this gift that will last all year. People in most other municipalities don't enjoy such a luxury.