Tax hike looming in Chester County budget

Taxpayers could see their Chester County property tax bills increase slightly again next year if the commissioners’ proposed 2010 budget is adopted as is. But the three commissioners have vowed to seek further reductions in administrative expenditures to make whatever tax increase less than what is currently foreseen. The combined impact of the downturn in the national economy, a drying up of state and federal revenue, and a stagnant county real estate market has resulted in a proposed property tax rate at the county level of 4.118 mills, an increase of 3.8 percent over the 2009 rate of 3.965. To a homeowner with property valued at a median assessment of $166,495, the proposed increased county property tax rate would mean a tax bill of $25.48 over 2009’s levy. The increase comes despite a continuing effort by the county to cut costs in every department. In fact, the county’s proposed budget will be $427.7 million, a decrease from the $476.6 million that county officials estimate they will spend this year. The commissioners have set Dec. 17 as the date to adopt the budget. The county’s budget can be viewed at www.chesco.org.

Source: Daily Local; 12/02/09

Coatesville presents ideas for Urban Center Revitalization Plan Update

The City of Coatesville presented ideas for its Urban Center Revitalization Plan Update. The original plan was adopted in 1999 and updated in 2002 as an addendum to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The update will focus on the following objectives: economic development, housing, infrastructure and transportation, public safety, urban open space, streetscapes and cultural projects. The updated plan will include an action plan with a number of specific recommended projects for the future revitalization of the urban community.

Lower Oxford says sewer hookup is mandatory

Homeowners in Lincoln Village will have to connect to a new sewer line. The Lower Oxford Board of Supervisors approved a mandatory sewer connection ordinance that requires everyone with a sewer line in front of their property to make the connection. The homeowners will be given a year to make the connection on their own. A fee of $2,100 will be due two years after a connection is made. If the property owner does not make the connection within a year, the township can come onto the property and do the work. At that point, the owner becomes responsible to pay for the $2,100 connection fee and the township’s cost to do the work. If the payment is not made within six months, the township can lien the property for their costs and connection fee. Currently, homeowners in Lincoln Village have been sent a survey to determine if it is a low income area and eligible for grant money from the state to offset some of the costs.

Source: Avon Grove Sun; 11/26/09

Chester County farm preserved

The Brandywine Conservancy yesterday acquired a conservation easement on the 117-acre Redcay farm in Londonderry Township, Chester County. Preserving the farm has been a priority of the township since voters approved an open space referendum in 2003. With this easement acquisition, approximately 3,770 acres are now preserved in Londonderry Township, representing about 52% of its total acreage. In addition to preventing development and preserving significant views, the Redcay easement contains restrictions to ensure that continued farming does not adversely impact a tributary of the Brandywine River.

Source: Chester County Press; 11/25/09

Sewage expansion causes concerns in South Coatesville

Pennsylvania American Water Co., which operates a large wastewater treatment facility in South Coatesville, plans to expand the plant to treat up to 12 million gallons of wastewater a day. This would effectively quadruple the amount of treated effluent discharged into the west branch of Brandywine Creek. For the past year, the Brandywine Conservancy has been working behind the scenes to influence a process that has widespread implications for water quality and the threat of more suburban sprawl in western Chester County. The Conservancy met with the state Department of Environmental Protection over the last year, making presentations about smart growth and advocating for community wastewater systems and against large, centralized wastewater treatment facilities.

Source: Daily Times; 11/30/09

West Grove abolishes planning commission

West Grove Borough voted to abolish their planning commission. The planning commission was a subcommittee of borough council that reviewed plans for subdivision and land development. Borough officials said the lack of real estate parcels that can be developed in the future was the most important factor in making the decision. The group has had very little activity and it has become difficult to recruit and hold members. The borough council will review any future plans, as will the zoning officer and engineer.

Coatesville codes officer arrested for allegedly selling cocaine

A man who works as a codes enforcement officer with the city was recently arrested for allegedly selling cocaine, according to police. Police charged John Clayton Tinson, 51, of Coatesville, with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacture of a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and conspiracy following a lengthy investigation that took place during the summer. Tinson was initially hired by the city in October 1994 and held a position in the Public Works department. Tinson’s employment was terminated in July 2005, but he was reinstated as a full-time code enforcement officer last June.

Source: Daily Local; 12/03/09

Cost of living to rise in Kennett Square if council approves new budget
It will cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 more to live in Kennett Square next year, if the proposed budget is adopted next month. The bottom line: Taxes will go up one mill (or amount of tax per thousand dollars of property value); water costs for residents will increase an average of $60 per year; sewer costs will increase an average of $65 per year; and it will now cost residents $220 annually to dispose of their trash. Trash disposal had been free. The proposed $4.6 million budget would keep services at about the same level. Wages of non-uniformed employees will be frozen in 2010, and all capital outlay in the general fund has been removed except for one new police car. The borough is exploring the possibility of selling its water system to Aqua or the Chester Water Authority. The residential rates for water could go up if Aqua took over the water system, and down if Chester Water Authority took it over, but the borough would receive a windfall that could be applied to the general fund. The budget will be reviewed at the Dec. 7 meeting.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/18/09

West Chester Council approves preliminary budget
West Chester Borough Council passed a preliminary 2010 budget that calls for a 3.4 percent real estate tax increase. The budget also calls for a 10 percent increase in the borough’s sewer rate. Various Council committees will review the preliminary budget in December, and full council will pass a final budget by the end of the year. It appears that the tax hike, which will result in a $23 increase on average residential tax bills, is a near certainty. The economic crisis has strained the borough’s finances and made a tax increase hard to avoid, borough officials said. West Chester, like most Chester County municipalities, is facing rising pension, salary and employee benefit costs. At the same time, the recession has caused the borough’s earned income tax and real estate transfer tax revenues to decline. The preliminary budget would increase the average borough homeowner’s tax bill to $689, approximately $23 over last year’s average. The average single-family home in the borough has an assessed value of $119,000, and the average tax increase was calculated using this figure.
Source: Daily Local; 11/19/09

No new taxes needed to meet W. Nottingham’s 2010 budget
No new taxes are needed for 2010 to meet West Nottingham Township’s proposed budget, approved at its Nov 17 meeting. The new budget totals $574,550, with the largest areas of expenses being $152,450 for road work and road crew salaries, and $64,200 for police department salaries and equipment. The budget is open for public review, with final approval set for December.
Source: Daily Local; 11/21/09

West Chester Borough allows subdivision of courthouse complex
West Chester Borough Council cleared the way for Chester County to sell a large portion of the historic courthouse complex by voting unanimously to subdivide the complex into two parcels. The first parcel contains the 19th-century courthouse, the fountain behind it, and the Market Street annex to its west. The second parcel contains the annex on North High Street, the annex on North Church Street, and several buildings along the unit block of West Gay Street. It is the second parcel that the county will put on the market. Attorney Don Turner, who represents the county, said that selling this parcel will allow the county to continue to preserve the historic courthouse.
Source: Daily Local; 11/22/09

Easttown real estate taxes may increase 12.1 percent
Easttown Township’s Board of Supervisors voted for a preliminary 2010 budget Monday that calls for a real estate tax increase of 12.1 percent. The average assessed property value in Easttown Township is $330,000. In 2009 an owner of a property with that assessed value would have paid $1,109 in real estate taxes to the township. In 2010, if the preliminary version of the budget is approved, that owner would pay about $1,240. The Board of Supervisors will approve the final 2010 budget at its Dec. 21 meeting. If the budget is approved as proposed, the township’s millage rate would increase from the current 3.361 to 3.769 per thousand dollars of assessed value.
Source: Daily Local; 11/22/09

No new taxes in Kennett Township budget
While presenting the township’s preliminary 2010 budget, Kennett Township Supervisors’ Chairman Robert Hammaker noted no new taxes are being proposed. “The only major change in revenues we expect in 2010 is a decrease in real estate taxes due to the decline in real estate values in general,” he said.

Merchants plan for future of Kennett Square

Kennett Square merchants have banded together to form the Kennett Area Restaurant and Merchant Association (KARMA), a member-supported association dedicated to promoting business and tourism in the borough. Their goal is to mold Kennett Square’s already quaint downtown district into an even quainter village, similar to New Hope in Bucks County. New Hope is famous for its antique shops and draws visitors from across the country. The concept is new, and the group is in its infancy. A board of directors is being formed, and 15 to 20 businesses have joined. The group meets the first Tuesday of every month and is looking for Kennett Square other merchants to join. The next meeting is at 7 p.m., Dec. 2 at the Brick Garage.

Source:  Daily Local; 11/14/09

Tredyffrin expects budget cuts but no tax hike

Tredyffrin Township’s proposed 2010 budget is balanced without a tax increase in sight. Township Manager Mimi Gleason presented the budget Monday at a supervisors meeting. The proposed spending plan includes a balanced general fund, the largest of Tredyffrin’s four funds. In total the proposed budget for 2010 is $32.6 million, which is $2.9 million less than 2009. The budget is to be discussed again at a public meeting at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 30, at the township building. For more information on Tredyffrin Township’s proposed 2010 budget, visit www.tredyffrin.org.

Source: Daily Local; 11/16/09

Easttown budget plan omits earned-income tax

Easttown Township’s administration plans to close a 2010 budget gap estimated at half a million dollars through a six percent real estate tax increase. The plan does not include an earned-income tax. The municipality is considering a budget that would, in addition to the tax increase, enact one or more of a host of other flat-rate taxes for residents, businesses, employees and visitors to some events. If the plan is approved by township supervisors, the newly implemented taxes are estimated to net the township about $285,000 in the first year, although newly taxes typically do not get a 100 percent collection rate in the first few years. Officials estimate that an earned-income tax would have brought in more than $1 million next year, but many residents opposed the levy. The final 2010 budget is to be adopted at the board’s Dec. 21 meeting.

Source: Daily Local; 11/16/09

Board seeking replacement for ousted West Vincent supervisor

During a rare Monday morning work session, West Vincent Township’s two remaining supervisors outlined their strategy for replacing a colleague removed from office last week by court order. Supervisors Kenneth Miller Jr. and Zoe Perkins have 30 days to find a suitable replacement. They announced Monday that they will be looking for letters, phone calls or e-mails from interested candidates. The decision must be rendered by Dec. 8 to adhere to the state’s 30-day deadline. The chosen replacement would sit on the board until 2011, when that seat would come up for a special election. The special election would determine the supervisor until 2013, when the position’s term was scheduled to end. The seat would then be back on its regular six-year cycle.

Source: Daily Local; 11/17/09

Residents applaud decision to hike West Pikeland taxes

West Pikeland Township supervisors were not only applauded by residents for their approval of a motion to increase the township’s property taxes at their last meeting, they were also encouraged to raise them even higher. The board approved a tax increase from 0.125 mills to 0.2 mills. Residents currently pay between $30 and $40 annually in township property taxes. This increase will bring the average up to between $50 and $60.The other major sources of revenue for the township are earned income taxes and real estate transfer taxes. Revenue from those sources have been decreasing over the last few years. The proposed 2010 budget was balanced before the tax increase and even accounted for a greater surplus than the township will see in 2009. The 2009 surplus will amount to approximately $16,000, while the budgeted surplus for 2010 is approximately $77,000.

Source: Daily Local; 11/17/09

Chester County Commissioners adopt Landscapes2

Chester County Commissioners adopted  Landscapes2, the county’s updated comprehensive land use policy plan, at a public hearing on Monday. The resulting plan establishes a blueprint for bringing growth and preservation together for Chester County. The plan sets in place three initiatives for guiding the future of the county. These initiatives will be accomplished through the collective implementation of the policies and actions established by this plan:

•Build working partnerships. The county will join with municipal governments and stakeholders to develop productive partnerships that champion specific actions to achieve the vision of Landscapes2.

•Create sustainable communities. The county will work with the state and municipal governments, and other partners to build and enhance sustainable communities within designated growth areas.

•Keep Chester County green. The county will advocate for a green sustainable future.

Source: Daily Local; 11/11/09

North Coventry votes in favor of well water

North Coventry Township Supervisors voted in favor of beginning the process of creating a township-owned and -operated public well water supply. The decision paves the way for the North Coventry Water Authority to seek out all necessary permits and begin development of a municipal well. No location has yet been selected for placement of a well. However, the township had earlier identified three potential sites, and now the water authority will need to select one. Any site chosen will need to be tested to determine its yield and its effect on neighboring wells. The potential sites include one at the corner of Route 100 and West Cedarville Road — directly across from Town Square Plaza. A second site was recommended on Laurel Locks Farm, and a third in Kenilworth Park. Currently, about 25 percent of township residents use public water, which the township purchases from the Pottstown Water Authority. That water is drawn from the Schuylkill River. The supervisors’ decision to create a township well won’t completely change that, as well water must be supplemented by borough water in order to ensure an adequate supply. The North Coventry Water Authority has argued that by having a municipal well, the township will be able to better control rates and water quality for residents.

Source: Daily Local; 11/12/09

West Chester panel urges 3.4% tax hike

West Chester Borough Council’s finance committee Monday recommended council adopt a preliminary 2010 budget that calls for a 3.4 percent property tax increase. The preliminary budget would cause the average borough homeowner’s tax bill to rise to $689, an increase of $23 over last year’s average, officials said.

The average single-family home in the borough has an assessed value of $119,000, and the average tax increase was calculated using this figure, officials said. Borough Council is likely to pass a preliminary budget at its Nov. 18 meeting and pass the final budget in December. Finance committee members said that between now and December, borough administrators will try to reduce the real estate tax hike. But they warned the borough is facing financial difficulties that will likely make a tax hike inevitable.

Source: Daily Local; 11/11/09

Slight increase in Oxford Borough’s preliminary 2010 budget

Although the Oxford Council members had hoped to come up with a budget with a zero-percent increase, rising costs brought in the budget at $3,102,935, an increase of $13,338 over last year. This translates into a projected millage increase from the current 9.75 mills to 9.79 mills. For a house assessed at $100,000, this would be about $75.00 for the year. Council members expressed concern about projected shortfall in revenues caused by the reduction in real estate transfer taxes due to reappraisals and the soft housing market.

Source: Chester County Press;11/11/09