Township awards Public Works fueling contract, rejects winter-operations bids, adopts Act 57 resolution and approves 2023 budget with no tax increase

The Middletown Township Board of Supervisors took several administrative and fiscal actions: it awarded a $1,532,230 contract to Scott Building Corporation for the Public Works Yard Phase 1 fueling-system improvements, rejected all bids for the Phase 1a winter-operations work to allow rebidding and value engineering, adopted a resolution under Pennsylvania Act 57 of 2022 permitting waiver of a 10% penalty in certain post-closing tax-bill cases, and approved the township's 2023 budget with no tax increase.

Public Works: Township engineer Kessler reviewed Phase 1 work to replace expiring underground tanks with two aboveground tanks, consolidate fueling to a single location, install new pumps and a safety canopy, and make related fencing and gate improvements. A qualified bid from Scott Building Corporation for the base scope totaled $1,532,230; the board voted to award the contract and the motion passed 5-0.

Winter operations (Phase 1a): For the salt-shed replacement and alternates (including brine tanks, painting and yard paving), two bids were received; the low bid did not meet qualification requirements, and the next compliant bid with alternates totaled $4,764,498, substantially above the budget. Staff recommended rebidding after value engineering and adjustments; the board voted 5-0 to reject all bids and direct staff to revise and rebid.

Act 57 resolution: Solicitor Esposito explained that state Act 57 (2022) allows municipalities to waive a 10% penalty when tax bills were sent to previous owners and a new owner submits a waiver request. The board adopted resolution 22-33R directing the tax collector to accept such waiver requests beginning in 2023; vote 5-0.

2023 budget: Finance staff said the advertised 2023 budget contains no tax increase, maintains current service levels and includes updates indicating $450,000 in incoming Redevelopment Assistance (RDA) grant awards. The board moved and approved the 2023 budget and resolution (22-34R) by unanimous vote.

What happens next: The Scott Building contract award will proceed to execution and project scheduling; staff will rebid the winter-operations work after value-engineering; tax-collection procedures will be updated to accept Act 57 waiver requests; and budget implementation will proceed under the adopted resolution.