Commissioners in Scott Township unanimously adopted the municipality's 2011 budget, which will hold the line on taxes.

The board approved the $9.151 million operating budget Monday night and will keep property taxes for township residents at 5 mills. A $1.4 million surplus from 2010 will be forwarded to next year's budget.

The township anticipates bringing in nearly $4 million from real estate property taxes and an additional $1.7 million from the earned income tax.

The highest expenditures in the budget are for police protection and public works.

The township plans to spend $2.92 million on the police department, which is a $61,000 increase over 2010. Scott will also spend about $1.31 million on the township's public works department and another $900,000 on the health and sanitation line item in the budget.

The entire 2011 budget can be found at the Scott Township Municipal Building, or on the main page of the municipality's website under Announcements.

Also during the meeting…

-The commissioners unanimously selected C.W. Howard Insurance as the township's liability insurance carrier and will pay the Butler-based agency $321,981. C.W. Howard was the incumbent carrier and outbid Scott Township-based ESI, which offered a plan for $325,809. Commissioner David Jason said the plans were similar, so he did not think the township should "jump ship right now" with little time to discuss a change. However, he added that the board should begin soliciting bids sooner next time to field the most competitive plans.

-The board denied a request by Senterra Building and Development Inc., to build three units on Vanadium Road next to Green Commons Drive. The commissioners said they were concerned about sewerage issues in that area, although they left the door open for the company to meet with the township engineer next year to reconfigure the plans and start the process over again.

-Scott resident Marjorie Dickson spoke in favor of an ordinance that would restrict cars from being parked overnight on township streets. Dickson said the problem is especially bad on Greenbriar Drive where she lives because snowplows are not able to adequately clear the road. Township police Chief James Secreet said commissioners told him earlier this year to not ticket cars parked with two tires off the road. The commissioners said they are evaluating whether an ordinance would be feasible for the entire township.

-Scott Township Public Library will be closed Friday through Sunday due to the New Year's holiday.