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Salem Township approves $171,198 in monthly expenditures, insurance renewal and funds for volunteer fire companies
Summary
Supervisors approved $171,198.01 in expenditures for the month, renewed UPMC coverage (8.4% premium increase), and authorized multiple distributions to volunteer fire departments and for LST/state aid allocations.
At its Sept. 18 meeting, the Salem Township Board of Supervisors approved monthly expenditures totaling $171,198.01 and took several funding actions affecting employee benefits and local volunteer fire companies.
The board approved the monthly bills broken down as: General Fund $44,476.58; Payroll Fund $43,615.59; Machinery $219.00; Liquid Fuels $71,021.88; Street Lights $394.96; Sewer Revenue $11,470.00.
During the expenditures discussion, resident Tom Ridella asked about a $7,000 invoice from Solicitor Falatovich and requested written procedures and itemized billing. Planning Commission Chair Connie Mattei told the board that developers and surveyors sometimes contact the solicitor directly rather than going through the Township and recommended updating fees and procedures and the SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) to allow the township to recoup some costs. Resident Ed Rebitch recommended posting invoices online and suggested solicitor billing in 15‑minute increments for transparency; supervisors took those comments under advisement.
The board approved renewal of the UPMC health plan, effective Oct. 30, 2024, with an 8.4% premium increase (current monthly premium $12,174.07; new estimated $13,199.96).
Supervisors also approved financial support for volunteer fire companies: $35,000 each for Slickville and Forbes Road Volunteer Fire Departments from the Fire Protection Account. The board approved distribution from the General Fund of 25% of 2023 Local Services Tax (LST) proceeds — total available $33,923.75, or $16,961.87 per department — and split Commonwealth State Aid received in 2024 ($41,015.61 total; $20,507.80 each).
All motions on these items passed unanimously (Supervisor Bob Zundel, Supervisor Ken Trumbetta and Supervisor Kerry Jobe voting for approval).
