§ 25.9-906. Council Action on Budget.

 A. Notice and Hearing. The Council shall publish in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the Township the general summary of the budget and a notice stating:

   1. The times and places where copies of the message and budget are available for inspection by the public; and

   2. The time and place, not less than two (2) weeks after such publication, for a public hearing on the budget.

 B. Amendment before Adoption. After the public hearing, the council may adopt the budget by resolution with or without amendment. In amending the budget, it may add or increase programs or amounts and may delete or decrease any programs or amounts, except expenditures required by law or for debt service or for estimated cash deficit, provided that no amendment to the budget shall increase the authorized expenditures to an amount greater than the total of estimated income.

 C. Adoption, Appropriation, Tax Levy. On or before the last day of the fiscal year currently ending, the Council shall:

   1. Adopt the budget by resolution;

   2. Pass an appropriation ordinance; and

   3. Pass an ordinance levying taxes.

 If council fails to take these actions by this date, then the amounts appropriated for current operation for the current fiscal year shall be deemed adopted for the ensuing fiscal year on a month-to-month basis, with all items in it prorated accordingly, until such time as the Council adopts a budget for the ensuing fiscal year. Appropriations shall be made in lump sum to departments and agencies in the following categories: personal services; material, supplies, and equipment; debt service. Council may adopt a program budget, in which case appropriations will be made to programs.

   D. Real Property Tax Levy Limitation. Real Property Tax rate increases are limited to a maximum of three (3) mills or five percent (5%) of the prior year’s budget per annum unless approved through the action of public referendum; however, in addition to the foregoing, an annual tax sufficient to pay interest and principal on any indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Local Government Unit Debt Act, or any prior or subsequent act governing the incurrence of indebtedness of the Township, is permitted.

   The provisions of this §  25.9-906 amended April 26, 1988, effective April 26, 1988. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (106821) and (106822).