FRANKLIN TWP — The board of supervisors voted to approve the 2022 budget at its meeting Monday night, which included a 2-mill tax increase for the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department.

According to supervisor Herman Bauer, the new budget was approved with a total real estate tax millage of 5.75, where 3.75 mills are designated for the general fund and 2 mills are for the fire department.

“The total will be around $55,000 for the 2 mills,” Bauer said.

Fire Chief Nate Black from Prospect Volunteer Fire Department thanked the township for their support when considering the tax.

“We're not just a fire department. We host community events, hold fundraisers as well as keeping you safe,” Black said.

The 2022 budget is bigger than the 2021 budget by almost $230,000, which Bauer attributes to increased costs for township needs.

“There are more needs for the township and costs are increasing,” Bauer said. “We're using the American Rescue Plan funds for next year in the general fund on the new (dump) truck and paying for road projects.”

The new dump truck and road projects mentioned by Bauer are the only major purchases coming up in the township.

In other business, the board voted to appoint Richard Inspection Services as the property maintenance code enforcement officials, a decision that prompted some concerns from the public.

Community members were concerned that the company would trespass on property or come onto property without announcement.

Bauer explained that the code enforcement officers would only handle complaints from residents who are repeatedly uncooperative with the township.

“They won't get involved unless we ask them to,” Bauer said. “We'll only use these people if they were actionable cases. They can't just come onto your property.”

Multiple members of the public asked the supervisors to table the appointment of Richardson Inspection Services until new supervisors were brought on next year. One community member pointed out how the township has not previously had code enforcement officers and requested they not rush the decision.

The board also voted to notify PennDOT that the township does not intend to sign a new winter maintenance contract for the coming year.

Bauer explained that this means the township will take care of plowing and salting Route 528, Dick Road and Country Lane until spring.

Bauer said this decision could save them almost $40,000 a year.

“We're not keeping up with the cost of salt and manpower,” Bauer said. “It's been too costly.”

Supervisor Janet Gray gave farewell remarks at the end of the meeting, as she's retiring from public service. She will be succeeded by Nathan Wulff.

The reorganization meeting for Franklin Township is set for Jan. 3.