(10/2020) We greatly appreciate the opportunity to utilize the Emmitsburg News-Journal to allow the Liberty Township residents to stay informed and updated about events going on in our township.

Currently, Liberty Township is in the process of codification of our ordinances providing an online searchable code of Liberty Township regulations. We hope that this will make it easier for everyone to access and comprehend ordinance questions when they arise. In September, we adopted a new Well Ordinance, mandating the same rules for all wells; making water safe for all residents to consume. A Truck Restriction Ordinance was adopted in April limiting trucks that are larger than 45 feet in length on several of the township roads. This ordinance helps to preserve our roads. We are currently reviewing an Open Burning Ordinance that would suit the needs of Liberty Township residents.

The Liberty Township building has undergone some improvements this year. We leveled off the parking lot, put in a drainage system, black topped and painted lines in the parking lot. We now have 18 available parking spots in the front of the building, along with overflow parking in the rear of the building. We added three new storage bins on the outer perimeter of the township building property to store aggregates.

The road department has been working hard, making many improvements over the summer. Six mowings have been completed and we plan on doing at least two more in September and October. We have been working on clearing the roads, ditches, culverts, trees, and brush in the township. We also opened the tree canopy over the Boyle Road bridge area and other roads that were not getting adequate sunlight to prevent freezing. Winter preparations have begun including placing snow markers along the roads. Please note, the markings in the center of some of the township roads are in preparation for base repair in March 2021. We plan to tar and chip certain roads in the township next year if resources are available.

Our Police Department has been doing a spectacular job protecting the safety and welfare of our residents. We are in the process of looking to supply the Police Department with body cameras. We hope this will be helpful to our Police Officers’ safety and the safety and concerns of our citizens in Liberty Township. Please continue to be aware of your speed while traveling in the township.

The Liberty Township monthly public meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. The meeting can be viewed online through YouTube during the live stream and a recorded version is available for viewing at your convenience. A call-in number is provided to listen by phone and participate in public comment. We are following CDC guidelines for Covid-19, allowing 10 people to attend the meetings in person.

We are currently working on the 2021 budget. The next budget meeting will be held on October 6, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. prior to the monthly meeting at 7:30 PM. We welcome residents to attend and offer input. As we go forward with the budget process, we are keeping in mind the financial hardships that all residents have faced this year during the pandemic.

On October 17, from 8 a.m. to noon an e-waste recycling event will be held at the Fairfield Fire Company. This event is open to township residents who have contracted with Park’s Garbage Service. Please check the township website for a list of acceptable collection items. Additionally, 2020 School Tax Bills are due on October 31 at Face/Par value, to avoid penalty phase. A friendly reminder that the new Tax Collector now works out of the Township building. There is a drop box located in front of the Township building that can be utilized for school tax payment drop offs as well as regular Township business such as land use permit applications.

As elected officials of Liberty Township, The Board of Supervisors are here to serve the people of Liberty Township. Please stay healthy and safe!