The Kidder Township supervisors met on Wednesday afternoon to briefly discuss a recent grievance filed by an employee. The employee, only identified as Employee No. 45 was recently suspended without pay and has filed a grievance against the township.

The supervisors reviewed the grievance and it was denied.The supervisors also met to conduct a budget workshop. The budget must be approved before the start of the new year.While there is still a considerable amount of items to be considered and reviewed, it appears that Kidder Township residents will be facing a 1-mill tax increase for the 2018 tax year. The 1-mill increase will result in $200,000 netted by the township.The entire $200,000 will go to the township's two volunteer fire departments. Half will go into a fund set up exclusively for the purchase of new equipment and the balance would go toward operating expenses.Lake Harmony Fire Chief Ralph Lennon said Lake Harmony is in need of a replacement for its rescue truck. The Mack truck the township is using was purchased used about five years ago. Lake Harmony fire company engineer Edward Darrow says the truck will require front brakes, and despite his search of the entire country there are no replacement parts available for the brakes, making it certain that the truck will not pass inspection next May.Lennon also noted that Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company is in need of a tanker.Township Manager Lisa Klem said that she will assist the fire companies to apply for grant money toward the purchase of newer vehicles.