Salisbury Township residents will pay a small property tax increase in 2012 now that the board of commissioners approved an $11 million budget last week. Property taxes were raised to 3.82 mills, up from 3.57 mills. This means that for an average property assessed at $77,000, a homeowner will pay $19 more in taxes next year.

After some heated words between Township Manager Randy Soriano and Salisbury Townhip fire department representatives, the board of commissioners voted Dec. 22 to adopt next year’s $11 million budget, with some minor changes.

Instead of the previously allocated $20,000, Eastern Salisbury Fire Co. will get $22,000 in general operating funds and Western Salisbury Fire Co. will get $36,000 instead of $38,000.

Eastern Salisbury Fire Co. argued they saved the township $7,000 in insurance costs last year by shopping around for a better rate, but were not allocated the $25,000 they requested. Western Salisbury paid nearly twice as much for insurance and was allocated their requested amount of $38,000.

Ultimately, however, both fire companies said they supported each other 100 percent.

The new budget also reflects the recently recommended slight increase in the fire apparatus tax, from 0.25 mills to 0.55 mills, to raise money for new fire equipment, including a new truck for Eastern Salisbury.

Township officials reported that overall revenues have decreased 8 percent, while expenditures have decreased by 9 percent. The proposed budget sought to hold the line on taxes, while cutting expenses.

Commissioner Norma Cusick cast the lone vote against the new budget.