Connellsville seeking public input on taxation issue
CONNELLSVILLE – Council will rely on public input regarding the restructuring of its taxing system before making any permanent changes. “I want to hear from as many people as possible,” said Councilwoman Judy Keller on Tuesday.
“I represent everyone, not just those who have come forward and ask us to take a look at the two-tier tax system; I want to make a fair decision.”
Council will meet in special session tonight to discuss the city real estate taxing structure with James Hercik, Fayette County chief assessor.
Keller said she is hoping to learn how residents will be impacted if the city determines to eliminate the current two-tier system and replace it with a single tax rate.
Hercik is expected to present figures of taxes paid by residents, business owners and churches under the in-place system and tax-related costs if council determines to restructure how the tax is assessed.
While residents and business owners may pay more or less, depending upon the tax system chosen by council, the revenues generated by the city will remain the same, said Hercik.
With the single tax rate, the tax burden would shift to those owning structures rather than land values with the current system.
Land values are now assessed at 113 1/2 mills while structures are assessed at 17 1/2 mills.
Keller is encouraging property owners to attend the session, as it will not be broadcast on the local cable network.
Council is expected to make a decision on revising the tax system at its Dec. 17 meeting.
The panel will also take action in connection with an outstanding invoice submitted by a local contractor completing a storm sewerage project along Pearl Street.
Keller said the invoice was brought to her attention just minutes before the Nov. 12 meeting and could not be addressed due to the lateness of the submission.
“We want to get this taken care of,” said Keller of the $16,826.40 billing.
The South Connellsville firm, 3D Development Inc. initiated the project in early November, according to Dick Widmer, vice-president of Widmer Engineering Inc., the city’s engineering firm.
Following an August 2000 rainstorm that caused thousands of dollars in damage to the Pearl Street homes and properties when water overflowed the Connell Run streambanks, council moved to earmark funding to replace a 30-inch storm sewer line with a 42-inch line.
The local firm submitted a bid of $64,865 for the project work.
Widmer said the line has been replaced and the company is now completing restoration work to the affected properties and roadway. “I would think the work should be wrapped up within the next two weeks,” he said.