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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

For 6th Straight Year, Hanover Proposes No Tax Hike Budget

Steve Salvesen (L) and Public Works Director Vince Milite (R)
For the sixth year in a row, Hanover Township is considering a no-tax increase budget for next year. Despite a projected 3% drop in revenue and a last-minute increase requested by the Bethlehem Public Library, Hanover Township Manager John "Jay" Finnigan has still cobbled together a $7.2 million proposed 2013 Budget that holds the line on taxes.

It continues with the usual 3.9 mill tax rate and 0.5 mill fire tax. Under these rates, a home assessed at $50,000 will have an annual tax bill of $220.00.

Finnigan told Supervisors, at their November 27 meeting, that the Township was fortunate to have received $92,000 for its interest in 248 Broadhead Road, where the Colonial Regional Police and District Judge James Narlesky are based. "We'll be able to buy two trucks with that," he noted.

Steve Salvesen is concerned that performance-based raises for some Township workers will be negated by increases in health and dental insurance. "Contrary to what our President has said, insurance premiums are going up," observed the veteran Supervisor. Chairman John Diacogiannis lamented, "I hope this can turn around."

In addition to holding the line on taxes, Hanover Township residents have already seen their trash removal rates drop to about $230 per year with a single hauler contract. Residents in the East Sewer district have also seen a slight decrease in fees.

Supervisors will vote on the proposed 2013 Budget, which is posted on the Township's web page, at their December 18 meeting at the Municipal Building located at 3630 Jacksonville Road. That meeting, which starts at 7 PM, will be the Supervisors' only meeting in December.

15 comments:

Mark Baker said...

Still don't like jay but he does run a tight ship. Tell Vince to try to not look so bored.

Bernie O'Hare said...

I don't think he was bored. He was tired after spreading salt all day.

Anonymous said...

Opposition disappears in the People's Republic of Hanover Township. Everything is kept in house. Even the jobs.

Mark Baker said...

and they do screw those who oppose

Anonymous said...

Let's talk a little bit more about how America is now going to decline since the lying, cheating, socialists have stolen the national elections.
Can we please?

Anonymous said...

"Scratch a liberal, most often find a racist."

Scott Armstrong

Anonymous said...

"Steve Salvesen is concerned that performance-based raises for some Township workers will be negated by increases in health and dental insurance."

Boo Hoo for these municipal employees. Join the real world. They should be lucky to get any raise. In most places, employees are taking cuts in pay and having to do more. Why not with these municipal employees?

Anonymous said...

Doesn't Mr. Salvesen have a real conflict of interest in discussing pay increases for township employees? isn't his son Drew employed by the Townshp? Maybe he's just worried about his kid. Check it out O'Hare.

Anonymous said...

I recently had the opportunity to meet Mr. Finnigan in a very informal environment. He took time out of his personal schedule to meet with scouts at the Township complex on Thanksgiving Eve so they could earn their citizen’s award.

He was engaging, down to earth and very informative. As a Township resident I was impressed with his grasp of government, what its responsibilities are, and how he operates daily.

He indicated he operates the Township as a business and its customers are the residents and business community. Unlike a business he’s not looking to make a “profit” but at containing costs to maintain a stable tax rate that ensures public health, safety and welfare. What a noble cause, controlling costs to benefit the taxpayers while delivering quality services.

Jay, keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Of course there is no tax hike. There is nothing IN Hanover Township to spend taxes on!

Anonymous said...


Boo Hoo for these municipal employees. Join the real world. They should be lucky to get any raise. In most places, employees are taking cuts in pay and having to do more. Why not with these municipal employees?


Still using the 2009 arguments? If you are STILL getting a pay cut, you need a new job, chief.

Anonymous said...

Unlike a business he’s not looking to make a “profit” but at containing costs to maintain a stable tax rate that ensures public health, safety and welfare.

Um, so its NOT a business and running it like one is asinine.

Anonymous said...

2:34 and 2:37

You two are clueless and have no concept of reality. Post something meaningful not just trash.

Anonymous said...

Yes, the reality is that government is NOT a business and the poster admits it. Anyone running a government like a business is doomed to failure.

And before calling people's posts trash, look in the mirror. Nice post!

Anonymous said...

It is true. There is no "profit" in government. So when one of these baggers likesa governemntal officia,l they say he runs it like a business.

Actually if most local government were run like most businesses they would go bankrupt.

Ever wonder why lifetime business guys suck at running governemtnal bodes. It is "you" that just doesn't get it.

JC