Shaler holds line on taxes, moves forward with $700,000 in trail work and stream restoration

Shaler residents will pay the same in property taxes to the township in 2021 after commissioners approved its $14.5 million budget.

The plan maintains a real estate tax rate of 3.49 mills.

The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 will again pay $349 to the township.

Residents also pay 23.5 mills to the Shaler Area School District, which is $2,350 on a $100,000 home.

Manager Tim Rogers said the township reported flat revenues this year because of covid-19, with related unemployment impacting Earned Income Tax (EIT).

Still, commissioners were able to wedge several major projects into the spending plan, including a $1.45 million paving program set for next summer.

A list of roads will be whittled in coming weeks.

The board also green-lighted the Eagle Canyon Trail project, which extends from Fawcett Fields to Kiwanis Park.

The near $700,000 project targets stream restoration, restrooms and trail widening.

The township already has $350,000 in the bank to help cover the work, earned last year through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Fawcett Fields along McElheny Road has an area for soccer, children’s fishing along Little Pine Creek and a trail built by two Eagle scouts that leads to Wetzel Road.

Plans call for expansion of the walking trail and construction of restrooms for trail and field users. Work also includes restoration of the stream banks that have widened because of storm damage and erosion.

Rogers said the project is in final design stages now with construction expected to start in spring.

The largest single expense facing the township in 2021 is for public safety.

A $5.2 million budget will maintain the 26-member police department.

“This line item consumes all of the revenue derived from property taxes,” Roger said.