Message From Chairman Bill DiCioccio, Jr.

In recent years, Center Township has experienced a positive trajectory of growth, development and prosperity. The past year has seen a notable resurgence in both residential and commercial development within the Township. While such growth is encouraging, it can also place added strain upon public services and existing infrastructure. To effectively address future challenges, the Center Township Board of Supervisors and leadership team work collaboratively to advance the Township; thereby ensuring the continued provision of essential, high-quality public services while maintaining an affordable tax rate. It is during these times of growth that strong leadership and responsible stewardship are most critical. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I am proud of the decisions made and actions taken to sustain and enhance the variety of public, recreational and community services offered to Township residents. By working together, we are strengthening and safeguarding our community; and managing capital expenditures through prudent financial planning and management.

Maintaining public infrastructure such as roadways, traffic signals, storm drains and drainage systems requires continuous effort and significant capital investment. The Township oversees more than 50 miles of public roadways, regularly performing repairs and resurfacing on various roads. The priority for roadway repairs is determined using a numeric rating system that assesses the condition of each roadway. Minor pavement repairs and drainage improvements, including catch basins, storm sewers, drainage channels, and culverts, are performed in-house by the Township Road Department. More extensive resurfacing and reconstruction projects are publicly bid and carried out by qualified contractors. Over the past five years, the Township has invested approximately $2.5 million in road reconstruction and resurfacing efforts. In addition, the Township coordinates and partners with various entities and utilities to coordinate work whenever possible, realizing cost savings and minimizing redundant efforts.

NPDES MS4 Permit Compliance
The Township is responsible for compliance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program, which mandates annual reporting, detailed recordkeeping, sampling and chemical analysis, and physical inspection of the storm sewer system, stormwater detention ponds, both private and public, and stormwater outfalls. These efforts, mandated by the State and Federal government, are unfunded; the associated costs for this compliance are borne solely by the General Fund. To manage compliance with these requirements, the Township has employed careful fiscal planning and utilization of in-house expertise and resources whenever possible. Due to the rising costs of complying with unfunded state mandates, the board had no other option than to implement a Stormwater Management Fee to help fund these ongoing improvements. Currently, there are two extensive MS4 projects being completed on JennyLynn Drive and Old Brodhead Road, totaling nearly a million dollars.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) has confirmed that the Township is in full compliance with current MS4 regulations and is administering the program as required. The Township’s current MS4 permit is set to renew in September 2026. The renewed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 Permit is anticipated to include enhanced requirements for stormwater management, as well as implementation of an updated Stormwater Management Ordinance.

Center Township Municipal Building and Community Park
Renovation and upgrade of the Center Township Municipal Building, located along Center Grange Road, was completed in the Fall of 2024. The Municipal Building underwent a comprehensive renovation, which included an updated floor plan, revisions to interior partition walls, and the installation of new interior features such as windows, doors, flooring, electrical system, plumbing system, HVAC system and communication system. The project also included the addition of new roof trusses, a standing seam metal roof, and enhanced building security. The newly renovated Municipal Building features a single entrance leading into a common vestibule, providing direct and convenient access to the offices of Center Township, Center Township Water Authority, Center Township Sanitary Authority and Center Township Tax Collector.

Renovating the existing Municipal Building was chosen over constructing a new Municipal Building as a result of the sound condition of the existing structure and the significantly lower cost of renovation compared to new construction.
Renovation of the Community Park was also completed in 2025. Community Park improvements included construction of new parking areas; sidewalks; walking trails; sports fields; stormwater management facilities; fencing throughout the park; basketball courts; tennis courts; and pickleball courts. The project also included security lighting throughout the park, courts and walking trails; as well as new utility services throughout the park, including the Concession Stand and Restroom Facilities. The Restrooms have been completely renovated, and landscaping throughout the park and around the Municipal Building has been enhanced. Additionally, new benches, bicycle racks, trash receptacles, picnic tables and an inclusive play structure and swings have been added. To manage costs, certain aspects of park construction were performed in-house by the Center Township Road Department.

Also included was the construction of a tee ball field, two new pavilion structures, the installation of Wi-Fi service and security cameras throughout the Municipal Park. The planned Four Seasons Pavilion, will be partially funded by a $500,000 grant through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide, will offer an enclosed large group space capable of accommodating 175 people. The Four Seasons Pavilion boasts interior and exterior restrooms, an open platform footprint, warming kitchen, fireplace, and HVAC climate control. Construction of the Four Seasons Pavilion is anticipated for 2027.
The Township has been awarded several grants through different funding sources, including LSA, Greenways Trails and Greenlight GO. The grants include partial funding for the Four Seasons Pavilion, Park Pavilion, Center Commons Blvd. Storm Sewer Improvement, Pleasant Drive and Autumn Street Traffic Signal and Intersection Improvements and the Center Township Police Station.

Public Administration
Over the past 27 years, the Township has raised taxes only four times. Center Township consistently maintains one of the lowest tax rates in Beaver County, a result of prudent financial management and effective personnel oversight. This achievement is particularly notable given the broad range of services provided to our residents. The Center Township Supervisors remain committed to submitting funding applications for infrastructure improvement projects as appropriate. The Board of Supervisors will continue to make every effort to sustain the current tax rate without compromising essential services, despite the ongoing challenges and rising costs associated with insurance, roadway maintenance, and increasing State Regulations. While growth is evident, our core values remain unchanged: Fostering a Safe, United Community where Families can Thrive, Live and Work.