(1/2022) Brandon Lowe officially will be sworn into office and become the new Liberty Township Supervisor at the Re-organization meeting on January 3. We would like to graciously thank Bob Jackon for his years of service to the township in his various roles and we wish him the absolute best in the future.

At our budget meeting workshops we had to tackle fiscal spending hurdles. Everyone in our township is feeling the crunch of the economy and inflation. In 2022 we are looking at a 40-60% increase in cost to the township to provide services. Unfortunately, the township had to make a tough decision to offset the rising costs of operation.

The Board implemented a .5 millage tax rate increase, which is equivalent to $50 tax per $100,000 of assessed property value. We do apologize for having to make that decision, but the township is limited on options for generating revenue to continue to properly maintain the roads and provide much needed services to our residents.

Second Notice Septic Pumping letters went out to the residents in early December. If you pumped and you received a second notice, please advise the township. It is possible that we just have not received your pumping inspection form from your hauler. We thank everyone who has been complying with the pumping and inspection program.

We signed a contract with Highland Township for Police services in 2022. Our police department is proud to provide services to Freedom, Highland, in addition to Liberty Township.

Road projects slated for 2022 consist of blacktopping Sanders Road, and both Upper and Lower McGlaughlin Road. We plan to do more tree canopy opening in 2022. We again thank Hamiltonban Township for helping us in 2021 and we look forward to continuing a working relationship with them.

The road crew continued to deal with picking up trees this past month from high windstorms on Bullfrog, McGlaughlin, Liberty Hall and Stoops roads. The trucks were inspected last month, a new carbide plow blade was put on the large plow truck as well as the salt spreader and tire chains. If we get snow and ice on the roads this winter, we will try to tend to those issues as quickly as possible.

At the December Board of Supervisor meeting, the township awarded donations to the EMS and fire departments that service our township. Fairfield Fire Department received a $10,000 donation, Vigilant Hose of Emmitsburg, received $10,000 donation, and Fountaindale Fire Department received $5,000 donation. Additionally, Adams Regional Emergency Services received a $2,500 donation.

Starting in January, The Board of Supervisor meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and will continue to be held the first Tuesday of each month. Please note the change as we previously held our Board of Supervisor meetings at 7:30 p.m. The Planning Board will continue to hold meetings the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. All meeting dates are posted on our webpage.

Have a wonderful 2022! God Bless!

Walter Barlow, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors