A tax increase is proposed for Chadds Ford Township mainly due to reduced revenue. Real estate transfer taxes are down due to the facts that the Toll Brothers’ development is sold out and that existing homes are being reassessed at a lower value. Reimbursements from the state have also been reduced.
The proposed 1.9% increase is the first increase in four years. Projected township revenue of $633,697 with expenses of $644,565 leaves $10,868 deficit to be made up with the tax increase. The proposed 2012 budget will be voted on at the December meeting.
The question came up about the amount of money lost when Endo Pharmaceuticals leaves Chadds Ford at the end of 2012. According to Township Chairman of Board of Supervisors Garry Paul, Endo contributes about $30,000 to the revenue of the township which will have to be made up elsewhere beginning in 2013.
Supervisors also asked Township Solicitor Hugh Donaghue to investigate an ordinance that would move the control of tax collection mechanism from under the control of the Tax Collector to the vote of the Board of Supervisors. Township resident Bruce Prabel pointed out that the responsibilities for tax collection and liability against malfeasance reside with the elected Tax Collector personally according to state law.
Paul explained that they were just looking at ways to reduce the expenses of the collection function. Township manager Joe Barakat produced a comparison of collection costs with other comparably sized townships. Chadds Ford’s total was more than twice that of other townships. The question of effectiveness of collection and if the amount paid other township tax collectors reflected the whole cost if the tax collector is also employed by the township for other tasks as well as tax collection.
In other township news, Trooper Rosemary McGuire reported car break ins at Painters Crossing and at the Brandywine River Museum. Several deer hunting stands were reported stolen. Pennsylvania Game Commission is working with State Troopers to address poaching. Township resident Paul Koch ask what a property owner should do if hunters appear on his property. McGuire said that police should be called. Police are assuming responsibility for unauthorized hunters as trespassers. No longer are calls going to be sent back and forth to the Game Commission.
Meeting on November 21st at 8:30 AM will be to finalize LST Ordinance.
About Emily Myers
Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community. Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi. She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.
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