Forward Twp. spending plan keeps tax rates steady for 2026

Supervisors unanimously agreed on the budget proposal, even though Dave Levdansky worked from his own figures.

Forward Township supervisors were working from two different budget drafts Monday night, yet still managed something they rarely do: they agreed.

All three supervisors voted unanimously to advertise a proposed 2026 spending plan that keeps the municipal tax rate at 1 mill.

The posted plan totals $1,359,960 in both revenue and expenses.

For homeowners, the township portion of the tax bill remains straightforward: every $100,000 in assessed value equals $100 a year paid directly to Forward Township.

Chairman Tom DeRosa asked Supervisor Amy Cline — whom he called the township’s “budget guru” — to explain the numbers that were posted on the front door of the municipal building.

Cline said the budget relies on updated billing and recurring annual costs, rather than estimates.

“We’ve always spent conservatively, and we’ll continue to spend conservatively,” she said. “We know school taxes are going up and people are paying sewer bills for the first time. We’re not insensitive to that. We want to keep life in Forward Township affordable.”

Major expenses include $452,100 for police, $385,000 for roads and streets, and $205,510 for general government.

DeRosa also addressed long-running rumors about the township’s finances.

“Two years ago, you guys were told in this room that the township was on a fiscal cliff and would be bankrupt in 2023,” he said. “I’ve got good news. It’s not going to happen.”

Supervisor Dave Levdansky reminded the board that he was assigned the task of preparing a 2026 budget in October and was told to submit it by Nov. 15. He turned in his balanced plan Nov. 12.

Levdansky’s proposal also totaled $1,359,960, but several line items differed from the version posted.

His draft broke down police, road and administrative costs in much greater detail, and according to Levdansky aimed to keep spending “at acceptable levels,” avoid tax increases and leave reserve accounts untouched.

He said the two versions were close in total dollars but not identical.

“I see the document on the door is within about $7,000 of the budget I proposed,” he said. “There are a few differ- ences in line items that I hope to be able to speak to my colleagues about between now and Dec. 29 so we come to an agreement.”

Even with his concerns, Levdansky joined DeRosa and Cline in voting to advertise the township’s version of the budget — not his — for public review.

Supervisors will meet at 11 a.m. Dec. 29 to vote on the final spending plan.

They will reorganize at 7 p.m. Jan. 5, when they are expected to name a road master, appoint the township engineer and solicitor, fill vacancies on boards including the planning commission, appoint an emergency management coordinator and set meeting dates for 2026.

Garbage bills non-negotiable

Even though paying for garbage collection is new for Forward Township residents, officials say the requirement isn’t up for debate.

With Pro Waste LLC taking over pickup on Oct. 1 — marking the first time in nearly 30 years that residents are being billed for trash service — homeowners are reminded that the monthly fee must be paid without exception.

The cost is $57 per quarter, or $19 per month, for each household.

On Monday, DeRosa said the township has been surprised by how many residents are choosing not to pay.

“We have a few people — not a few, we have a lot of people — refusing to pay for garbage,” DeRosa said. “For $19 a month, you would be surprised at how many people say they’re not going to pay for it.”

Township ordinance requires every occupied address to maintain service, and DeRosa stressed that the rule applies whether a household produces one bag a week or barely any trash at all.

“If you have a home and you have an address, you have to pay for garbage,” he said. “Some people are threatening not to pay, but if they don’t, they’ll end up in front of the magistrate.”

He said complaints often come from property owners who want to share one can across several houses or believe they should pay less because they generate less waste, but the ordinance does not allow that.

“It’s amazing how many people don’t want to pay for garbage,” he said.

Township officials encourage residents to bring accounts current to avoid additional costs or legal action.

Billing is handled by the company, but enforced by the township.

For more information on holiday trash collection, how to enroll in autopay and other information, go to www. prowastellc.com or call 724433-3440.