ATLAS - In a 15-minute meeting by its supervisors, Mount Carmel Township has a budget for 2013.
The board approved the $1.27-million spending plan at Wednesday night's meeting on a 3-0 vote with supervisors Charles Gasperetti, Joseph Zanella and Reynold Scicchitano voting for it. There was no mention of a tax increase during the meeting.
A new four-year contract was approved 3-0 for Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush, running until Dec. 31, 2017. Hollenbush was named township police chief in 2009 and has worked with the department since 2001.
Hollenbush was also named the chief administrative officer of the township's police pension fund. The board approved an interest payment of $918 for 2007 and 2008.
In other business, supervisors approved their schedule of meetings for 2013 with the board's reorganization meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7. Monthly meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, with workshop sessions set for 2 p.m. on the second Wednesday.
A bid of $614 for two vehicles, a 1998 and 2001 Crown Victoria, from Chicago Motors was rejected unanimously after supervisors said the vehicles would be sold for scrap metal at a quoted price of $440 each.
The purchase of a new phone system for the township from Merlin Communications, of Akron, Pa., was unanimously approved at a cost of $7,643.04.
At the start of the meeting, a moment of silence was held for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, their families, and all the first responders on scene.