Springfield Township residents will see an increase of more than $80 in their sewer tax next year but no increase in township property taxes or refuse charges, according to a proposed 2010 township budget presented by the board of commissioners Nov. 11.
Under the proposed budget, a household with a property assessed at the township average of $175,400 will pay $591.10 in township real estate taxes next year. This is the same as in the three previous years, according to the commissioners’ summary.
Springfield homes will see an average increase of $87.24 on the sanitary sewer rental fee tax, a change largely due to an increase in the sewer charge Springfield pays to Philadelphia for sanitary sewer conveyance and treatment.
Last year, Philadelphia raised sewer taxes 37 percent to meet federal water regulations, but the increase was not fully reflected on the 2009 budget because the commissioners covered about 68 percent of it by dipping into its sanitary sewer reserve fund.
These sewer fees are expected to increase another 22 percent in 2010, and the cost will be passed on to the households that use the municipal sewer system, commissioners said.
Homes with their own septic systems will not be affected by the new sewage fees, board President Jeff Harbison said
The proposed 2010 budget is about $17.3 million, an increase of about 0.3 percent from in 2009.
In addition to sewer fees, changes in the 2010 budget reflect contractual increases in salary and employee benefits, utility expenses and the use of capital reserve funds for the purchase of equipment and special projects including storm-water management.
Residents will continue to pay for sanitary sewer service and refuse collection and disposal through separate fees.
Springfield residents can comment on the budget at public meetings Dec. 9 and 16 at 8 p.m. in the township building.
The board of commissioners is scheduled a vote on the budget Dec. 16.
