ADAMS TWP — Adams Township supervisors ratified a 2021 budget during a meeting Tuesday morning.

The roughly $8.7 million budget, which should balance after incorporating interfund transfers and projected carryover in January, does not have a tax increase.

“We have a lot of really good things in this budget,” said Russell Ford, supervisor chairman. “It's going to obviously be an important year.”

The 2021 budget anticipates $6,422,000 in revenues coming from taxes. This leads to a general fund income of $8,150,186, after $750,000 in assets is applied as of Jan. 1, 2021.

General fund expenses are expected to total $8,133,311.

The Adams Township Police Department is slated for about $2,305,735 in 2021, with full-time officer wages accounting for $1,361,000 of that.

Public works is budgeted for $1,094,500. Of that, $1,093,500 is slated for highway and road costs, and $1,000 is budgeted for stormwater and flood control.

Next year's liquid fuels income is expected to be $461,710, with expenses amounting to $250,000.

The 2021 park fund is budgeted for a $120,921 income and $404,450 in expenses. Projected assets of $130,000 leave an anticipated park fund deficit of about $153,529.

Moving into 2021, the township is preparing for a number of projects, according to Ford.

“We have some big milestones for next year,” Ford said.

Specifically, Ford said the township will be staying on top of the ongoing Three Degree Road project.

Three Degree Road has been undergoing a PennDOT turnback process for a number of years, which will ultimately allow the township to take over maintenance and road development of about five miles of Three Degree Road.

In 2021, township officials hope to begin the first of three paving projects on the road. Gary Peaco, township manager, said the township is looking to begin the first phase by midspring or early summer.

Ford said the township is also planning some big improvements to the park, including finalizing the acquisition of the Wygal property.

A sewer line installation will connect to a new Kiwanis pavilion and future park splash pad. Ford said bids for the sewer line could be advertised as early as January.

“Hopefully, that project can get started right away,” Ford said.

Ford said parks and recreation director Haley Geyer has been working on plans to install four new pickleball courts in the township park next year.

Other general maintenance for the park and township parking lot is also planned for 2021.

The budget was unanimously approved by the board. Supervisor Edward Vogel was not present during the proceedings.

“Let's hope 2021 is just a little bit easier,” Ford said.

The budget will be posted on the township's website.