The Public Utility Commission has made changes to the amount of money some municipalities will be receiving from the impact fee.

On Monday, it was announced that Lawrence Township would be receiving $500,000. 

County leaders were concerned that the number was off significantly. Officials said municipalities could receive up to $500,000 or they could receive 50 percent of its 2010 budget.

In Lawrence township, their budget for 2010 exceeded $2 million which meant they were expecting more than $500,000. 

Glenn Johnston, Lawrence Township supervisor told 6 News he is pleased the Public Utility Commission made proper changes.

Johnston added that any kind of money coming into the township is good, but he and other supervisors are aware that they will not be receiving that much every year. 

"This we know for a fact is going to drop by 50 percent or more next year and maybe lower, because it is attached to the wholesale price of natural gas which has plummeted in recent times," he said. 

Clearfield County GIS Director, John Kaskan told 6 News that right now the price of natural gas is around $3.44/gal. 

However, Kaskan said most of the year natural gas has been around $2.00/gal which is relatively cheap and has slowed down drilling throughout the state.

Kaskan said so far this year only 19 Marcellus Shale wells have been drilled in the county. 

Through the impact fee municipalities will have the option as to how they want to spend the money.

In Lawrence Township, residents are concerned with the lack of law enforcement.

Johnston said that Lawrence Township is one of the largest townships in the state and right now they only have seven officers who are a mix of full-time and part-time employees.

In the November election there will be a question on the ballot where residents can vote to have their property taxes raised.

Johnston said that taxes would increase by 33 percent but it would allow them to hire an additional three or four police officers.

6 News asked Johnston if they plan on using impact fee money toward law enforcement, which is an option under Act 13.

He said that they would like to, but with the possibility of the impact fee total changing year after year they can't rely on it. 

"This isn't going to be here every year. We won't spend depending on that. We will spend of course all of the money for the benefit of the taxpayers, but we won't spend all of it on something we would say 'we're going to be getting that every year, we're not.'"

Johnston said that township will definitely look to use the money on infrastructure. 

He said the roads are in need of repairs due to extra traffic from the oil and gas industry.

Johnston admits there is still a lot of decisions to be made with the $970,000 they will be receiving, but he said all decisions will be finalized after the township receives the check.