Larry Garner, secretary/treasurer, said in the budget message that the actual number may not be accurate because of not having a known balance on which to rely. This is due to the hired certified public accountant not being able to balance the 2007 audit in time for the 2009 budget process. Also, there is a 7 percent increase built into the expenditures.

He presented the total revenue as $114,544 and the total available for appropriation as $153,998. The expenses are listed as $136,791, with $17,207 left without imposing a tax increase.

A copy of the budget will be stapled to the door of the township building. Copies were distributed at last night's meeting and anyone else wanting a copy should contact Mr. Garner at 672-5499.

A letter was read from Francis Elensky of Walter Hopkins & Co. L.L.P. of Clearfield, who was appointed auditor for 2007.

He said the basic audit and financial report were completed some time ago and he is waiting to receive a response from various legal firms engaged by the township.

He included information in the letter that should be included in the annual report and noted how cash road bonds were handled in the accounting records and how they should be included in the future.

He also wrote, "We will have additional comments in the form of a management letter concerning proper recording of minutes and the information contained in the minutes, when we release out audit."

It was announced that no further information has been received from the township's solicitor, Michael Cassidy of Johnson and Duffie Law Offices of Harrisburg, concerning the proposed Host Municipal Agreement from North East Waste Services of Shippensburg. It is being reviewed.

The supervisors approved purchasing 24 tons of salt at $75 per ton from American Rock Salt Co. and approved completing an application to get additional salt if needed.

The township received $3,061.69 in Volunteer Fire Relief Association funds and will divide the amount equally and send the checks to Westover, Mahaffey and Irvona fire companies.

A letter was received from the state Department of Transportation saying that after the recent tragedies concerning bridges, those in the township will be examined. The supervisors will be notified if repairs are need or if they need to be closed.

The Clearfield County Assessment Office reported the township-estimated real estate valuation for 2009 is $3,209,472.

The township will apply for $1,190.28 in Clearfield County Aid to be used for the purchase of salt for winter maintenance.

Mr. Garner reported a letter to the township was opened and found in the mailbox. The Pennsylvania State Police and the post office were notified.

The next regular meeting is Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the township building. It was stated after the meeting that there is the possibility of a special meeting being scheduled if a report is received from the solicitor concerning the Host Municipal Agreement.