Tax Increase

Get ready for a tax increase folks. Council last night during a (very long and drawn out) special meeting approved an increase from 9.5 Mills to 11.5 Mills.

Why raise taxes you ask? Well, let me start by saying that I'm not a fan of raising taxes - ever, especially in this economy. However . . . the Borough needs to start 'saving for a rainy day'. For years we have held the tax rate steady at 9.5 Mills. Unfortunately the economy being what it is, expenses are steadily increasing, with the income remaining relatively the same.

Sorry guys - it's just the way it is. I wouldn't be surprised to see an additional increase next year. There was some discussion at length last night about Council trying to bundle trash collection into the taxes instead of sending semi-annual bills to everyone. Stay tuned - that's a whole year away. For now, make sure that you pay your (exorbitantly large)trash bills on time!

See you around town!

Property Tax Relief ? ? ?

It appears that property tax relief may be on the way. According to an article in The Morning Call, Pennsylvania has received enough revenue from slot machines to be able to cut school property taxes by 10% in the next school year. The amount, which will vary by school district, won't be released until May.

In order to be eligible for the reduction, property owners need to have completed and returned an application that was sent by the county.

You can read the entire article here.

Happy Tax Day!

Well - our new tax collector went above and beyond today. He was standing out in his driveway waiting for all of us to drive up (or walk by) with our tax returns (and, like some of us - our checks) in hand to turn in. I didn't even have to get out of the car. He took the paperwork, handed me my receipt, and off I went. Now that's what I call service.

Thanks John for a job well done!
=========
Speaking of Taxes, I'd also like to say a special "thank you" to our former tax collector Hazel DeReamus. Hazel took care of us (and kept us honest) for many many years, and, even though I had to write a check, I always looked forward to tax day and my annual chat with Hazel at her dining room table. Thank you Hazel for your many years of service to the borough, and for the care and attention that you paid to all of us. You truly made a difference.