Friday, December 13, 2019

WEST MARLBOROUGH: Tax increase for emergency services and library

West Marlborough Township taxpayers will see their property taxes increase from 1.7 mills to 2 mills in 2020 to help pay for emergency services and for construction of the proposed Kennett Library. The supervisors unanimously approved the tax increase at a contentious meeting the morning of Dec. 13.
The half-dozen residents who attended told the supervisors loud and clear that although they support funding emergency services, they don't think West Marlborough should help to fund construction of a new library. The supervisors are proposing to contribute $15,000 a year for five years to fund the library construction, or $18.42 per resident. The township currently contributes $1,500 a year ($1.84 per resident) to fund library programs.
In comparison, the budget calls for a $65,000 contribution to the emergency services that serve West Marlborough, or $79.85 per resident.
The supervisors responded that they heard what the angry residents were saying, but they need to balance those objections against the support for the library project that they've heard from many other residents.
The supervisors are also proposing to raise the township's earned income tax from 0.50% to 0.75%. They will vote on that increase and on the overall budget at a meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30.
The property tax and earned income tax increases will also allow the township to start a $10,000 rainy-day fund.
 

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