With consumers keeping a watchful eye on their pocketbooks, the lack of drivers purchasing gasoline have had a negative impact on local municipal state funding.
During Preston Township’s regular Board of Supervisor’s meeting Thursday morning, a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation informed the Board that less monies will be received for the Townships Liquid Fuels Allocation in April 2010.
The letter reads that “Due to the the high price of motor vehicle fuels and the current economic condition, revenue from the liquid fuels purchases has declined.” The tax allocation is used to fund road maintenance.
Based on the State’s Motor License Fund taxes, Liquid Fuels Allocations, payments are forecasted to be less than the prior year. In Preston Township’s case, it’s $5,000 less.
“Folks just aren't buying fuel,” said Supervisor Alan Jones. “With less taxes being brought in, less money is going to go to the Townships.”
The estimated allocation for 2010 is set for $130,031.15, down $5,000 from last year stated Township Secretary MaryAnn Llewellyn.
The amount of the allocation is based on the mileage of 54.32 and the population of 1,107 for Preston Township.
2010 Budget
The Board released, for its review, the first draft of the proposed 2010 Township General Fund Municipal Budget.
Totaling over $258,000, the budget calls for revenues amounting to $258,699.12.
After a quick line-by-line review by Board members and residents in the audience, several entries were found incorrect.
The Board will now work on the budget with its final release at the December third Board meeting. The public will then have 30 days to inspect the budget before being passed.

The Preston Township Board of Supervisors meet on the first Thursday of each month, 9 a.m. at the Municipal Township Building, SR, 670, Lakewood. The next meeting is set for December 3.