The Franklin Township Board of Supervisors quietly approved the township's budget for 2015 at their Dec. 17 meeting. The budget reflects a 10 percent reduction in taxes from last year for township residents. After a motion by board chairman John Auerbach, the board unanimously voted to set the tax rates for 2015:

General Fund – 1.145 mills

Emergency Services -- .580 mills

Park and Recreation – .270 mills

Open Space -- .500 mills.

The 2015 budget has a combined expenditure of $2,983,015.81.

The issue of future meetings of the Zoning Hearing Board regarding expansion plans by the Gourmet's Delight mushroom company was brought up by residents Theresa Silver and Suzy Konopka. They asked if the board could send upcoming meeting notices to all township residents, not just those who live within 1,000 feet of Gourmet's Delight. The next two Zoning Hearing Board meetings are scheduled Feb.17 and March 10. Due to the expected large turnout, they will be held at the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. The meetings are open to the public.

Auerbach reported that during November, 15 new permits, including two for new homes in the Wyndemere development, were issued. Forty inspections were performed. Building/zoning fees collected totaled $7,928.40; recreation and impact fees totaled $9,385.42; and miscellaneous fees totaled $5,203.50.

Mark Zawada of the Franklin Sportsman’s Association (FSA) reported that 34 of the 35 hunting club members have passed their proficiency tests, with one member still due to take the test. Hunting season closed on Dec. 13 and will reopen from Dec. 26 until Jan. 24. The FSA has harvested nine deer – seven from Franklin Preserve and one each from White Clay Crescent and Banffshire.

Board members also discussed establishing a policy regarding donations. They agreed to continue supporting Scouting projects with a contribution of no more than $500, and the Avon Grove High School After Prom Party for $500.

The board also set the January meeting schedule: Township organization (Jan. 5, 7 p.m.), elected auditor meeting (Jan. 6, time TBD), HC/HARB meeting (Jan. 7, 7 p.m.), Planning Commission (Jan. 8, 7 p.m.), Board of Supervisors (Jan. 21, 7 p.m.).

Complete township information is available at www.franklintownship.us.