Following several months of budget workshops, the Lower Southampton Board of Supervisors announced that the preliminary 2013 budget features no tax increase for residents.

In addition, board chairman John McMenamin announced that township seniors 65 years and older will receive a sanitation rebate of $50 next year, which is an increase of $30 from 2012.

Other than no tax increase and a increase in seniors' sanitation rebate, finance director Robert Butts said that the only major change in the budget from 2012 to 2013 is that there is a "redistribution of millage across the funds."

In the 2013 budget, the township is predicting about $8.7 million in total expenditures and $8.4 million total revenue, which creates a $332,840 deficit.

The 2013 preliminary budget is now available for review by the residents at the township building.

In other business, the Board of Supervisors held a public hearing Wednesday night on an ordinance that would establish regulations for pawnbrokers and dealers in precious metals, antiques and secondhand items. 

This ordinance would require dealers in precious metals and pawnbrokers to maintain records of each transaction in which they make a purchase or appraise precious metals. They must also obtain specific information about the pledger and/or seller.

The purpose of this ordinance, which was requested by the police department, to help solve more crime in the township and surrounding municipalities. The records kept by the pawnbrokers and dealers will help prevent the sale of stolen items. 

In addition, the police department will join an electronic database shared between many local law enforcement agencies for the purpose of identifying stolen merchandise and people suspected of thefts. This electronic inventory tracking system will remain secure and confidential for dealers and pawnbrokers.

With this ordinance, dealers and pawnbrokers must maintain an electronic inventory tracking system in which they will have to upload all transactions no later than the end of each business day. 

Should a dealer violate, fail, neglect or refuse to comply with this ordinance, they could have to pay a fine of $1,000 and could have their dealer license suspended for 90 days to one year.