Douglass Township held its final board of supervisors meeting for November on Monday evening and at that meeting, officials approved contracts for the municipality's police chief and officers.

            Chairman Joshua Stouch stated that there were minor changes to the contracts. These included a four percent salary increase, officers contributing slightly more to their health insurance, and the township no longer being responsible for medical retirement.

            The police chief's contract mirrors the contract drafted for officers. However, Chief Barry Templin waived his holiday pay in order to add more funds to the police budget.

            The contracts are set for four years. Solicitor Bob Brant stated that the township saved a lot of time and money during the negotiations due to the "leadership" and "organization of all parties involved."

            The board also approved a tax collection resolution. Act 57 is a waiver of late fee penalties for first year residents of the township that did not receive their occupancy tax bill. The township and solicitor's office has been working on this document. All board members approved the tax collection resolution.

            In other news, the supervisors and the Emergency Medical Services board have been discussing the urgent need to save the emergency services in the township. This topic has been discussed for the last two years and at several supervisors meetings. The township is taking the issue very seriously and working towards a solution.

            The board is continuing to review and discuss the Emergency Medical Service Appropriation Tax. This is intended to help provide financial support for imperative services in the community.

            Brant has been guiding the township through the legal aspects of this tax. The board has until the end of the year to finalize a decision.  "Think about a dollar amount and address it before the end of the year," said Brant.

            Stouch explained that the board of supervisors and the emergency services board have been working together diligently on this matter. In addition, flexibility has been woven into the budget for the tax, according to the chairman.

            "We have a buffer built into the budget," Stouch said.