Aleppo holds the line on property taxes with this year's budget

Aleppo property owners will not have to pay more in township real estate taxes this year.

Commissioners recently adopted their 2024 budget and maintained the millage rate at 3.5 mills.

Township manager Gwen Patterson said Aleppo has not raised taxes in more than 15 years.

Projected revenues and expenses were balanced at about $1.754 million.

Expected income includes about $496,000 in property taxes, $358,000 in Act 511 taxes including earned income, $340,000 in intergovernmental revenues, $36,000 in licenses and permits, $24,000 in charges for services and $1,250 in fines and forfeitures.

Expected spending includes about $411,000 for public works, $240,000 for administration including salaries and supplies, $156,000 for fire protection, $145,000 for waste collection, $125,000 for police, $50,000 for legal services, $50,000 for engineering services, $21,500 for emergency management and $18,000 for parks and recreation.

“We budget carefully, and we are fortunate that the property values in Aleppo have allowed us to hold the line on taxes over the years,” Patterson said. “We are always evaluating costs and we look for ways to share services with other municipalities when feasible.”

The township continues its commitment to improving infrastructure with $300,000 allocated for future paving projects. It had repaired several roads last year.

“Our practice has been to budget money for roads each year, saving enough over several years to then complete a larger project every few years,” Patterson said.

There are no major vehicle purchases planned. A new dump truck was acquired last year.

Aleppo contracts police services from Ohio Township.

President and finance chair George Jones said he is proud of the budget that maintains quality services to the residents with no tax increase.

“The services will be delivered/managed by dedicated and experienced employees led by manager Patterson,” Jones said. “The township is very fortunate to have great employees. I am looking forward to continued growth in revenues and tight fiscal controls.”