JACKSON TWP — Township leaders approved the 2023 budget, totaling $4,380,780, Thursday night.

The planned budget calls for no tax increase, according to a copy of the budget posted inside the township’s municipal building.

The Jackson Township budget includes $7,413,950 in total revenue and $8,716,395 in total expenditures. A surplus $3,205,320 from previous years brings the expected final balance for 2023 to $1,902,875.

“I’d like to compliment staff on the work on the budget,” said Allan Osterwise, vice chairman of the township’s board of supervisors. “No tax increases for yet another year.”

“And I think the work that needs to get done has been getting done, all the work on the roads and public safety, so nicely done,” he said. “Nothing like governance at the local level, with fiscal responsibility.”

Public works and recreation projects compose much of the investments projected in the budget throughout the coming year.

A license and indemnification agreement with MSP Properties of Pennsylvania, a Jackson Township developer, highlights this growth. Township leaders voted to approve this action Thursday, too.

“So this is really a precursor to the submission of the full land development application,” said township manager Chris Rearick. “As you’re aware, Dollar General, MSP properties is proposing to construct the project on behalf of Dollar General.”

Per the agreement, the developer for the Dollar General agreed to provide facade improvements to the building beyond what would typically be done.

The township also authorized an easement for stormwater drainage along roadways around Northgate.

The stormwater easement will extend alongside the parking lot for the Creekside shopping, Rearick said. That’s on the western side of Route 19 as part of the Northgate Light Project, one of the larger public works projects anticipated this coming year.

The road in this area will provide safer access for customers of the plaza, Rearick said.

“The township’s involvement is that we will take on the road and the associated stormwater as public facilities,” he said. “It’s in the best interest of public safety over the long term.”

The township also passed an ordinance that would require anyone who owns chickens or roosters to meet key property requirements.

“So this regulation allows for the keeping of chickens for parcels under 3 acres,” said Nikki Colton, who serves as planning director and zoning officer. “Currently, you have to have (at least) 3 acres to have chickens.”

But, she said, the township will now stipulate further rules. The property must be developed as a single-family residence. Property owners cannot own more than eight chicken hens per dwelling, and they can’t own a rooster on any land smaller than 3 acres.

Runs and coops also must remain within 30 feet of any inhabited building and meet other standards, she said.