At its final meeting of the year, Newtown supervisors voted 4-1 to approve a resolution to establish a higher 2023 township tax rate. The township budget calls for a rate hike of 1.625 mills. The budget anticipates revenues of $11.05 million and projects expenditures of $11.3 million.
The 2023 budget also contains a projected fund balance of $1.3 million, equating to 8.16% of expenditures. The 1.625-mill increase amounts to roughly $75 per year of additional tax per household.
While some board members previously expressed concerns over a tax increase at a time when many residents are struggling financially, most concluded the additional revenue generated is needed to shore up township emergency services.
Supervisor Kyle Davis, the lone Republican on the board and lone no vote on the 2023 budget, expressed concern over the tax hike at a previous meeting. “I think given the number of funds we’ve received from the federal government to which we have yet to spend, I don’t think we should be raising taxes other than for the ambulance squad this year.”
The other four members of the board disagreed and stated the additional tax revenue will be critical for township EMS services moving forward. Davis was again the lone dissenter on the tax rate resolution vote.
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