FRANKLIN TWP — The township will use money from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act to supplement its general fund.

Herman Bauer Jr., chairman of the board of supervisors, said during Monday's meeting that the township received $143,000 from the act at the start of the pandemic.

“By moving it to the general fund, we can spend the money the way we want to and not have to go through stricter guidelines,” Bauer said.

The funds were given to townships by the federal government for sewage or water retention purposes, both of which do not apply to the township according to Bob Thompson, vice chairman. “(The money ) was given during the pandemic and it was unclear what we can use it for, so it's going in the general fund,” Thompson said.

The board also voted to raise the tax on a property formerly used for state police scales. The raise is due to the increase in cost of living and is under 6%.

“The cost of everything is going up,” Thompson said.

Community members brought up the possibility of having two monthly township meetings instead of one. It was mentioned that surrounding municipalities, such as Center Township, have an agenda-setting meeting where there is no voting, and they then conduct official business at another meeting two days later. The board said it would take the suggestion into consideration.

The board's next meeting will be Dec. 20.