May 16, 2008 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Rumors and speculation that the Connellsville Senior Center is closing because it could not pay the city property taxes, were put to rest Thursday by Mayor Judy Reed, but the city-owned property has yet to be exonerated from paying the tax bill. Dunbar Township Tax Collector Marigrace Butela broached the rumored closure with council, stating that many elderly residents in her community relied on the Meals-On-Wheels program provided through the senior center and had been informed that it would close because the city was going to require the property taxes to be paid.

“They need reassurance that nothing is going to happen,” said Butela.

The East Fayette Street building is owned by the city and managed by a board of directors appointed by council.

Reed said that the Area Agency on Aging rents the facility and provides meals to daily visitors and lunches for shut-ins.

Over the past several years, council has exonerated the board from paying property taxes that in 2008 totals approximately $1,600.

Reed said that at the recommendation of Resource, Development and Management Inc. (RDM) of Pittsburgh, the city’s financial consultant, council is considering action to collect the tax.

“The last few years they did not have to pay city taxes,” said Reed, noting that the senior board of directors continues to pay county and school taxes. “We are looking to see if we should reinstate the tax.”

Councilman Charles Matthews said that RDM has offered several recommendations that have not been implemented and when council meets in June, he will offer a resolution to exonerate the senior board.

“These people (sitting at the council table) are elected to run this city, not RDM,” he said. “We can pick and choose what we want and don’t want to do.

“The $1,600 is not going to put us in financial straits if we don’t get it or make things that much better if we do.”

In a related matter, council voted to support the passage of state house legislation that would provide reimbursement to the city for property owned by non-profit organizations that are not required to pay local taxes.

Reed said that $300,000 in tax revenue is lost annually by the city because of the exemption.

Council also:

– Rescheduled its June through August meeting schedule to include June 12, July 10 and Aug. 21 with an executive session to be held at 6 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

– Appointed Nino Merendino to the Shade Tree Commission.

– Agreed to close certain streets for the 26th Annual John Woodruff 5K Run and Walk to be held July 9.

– Authorized the American Legion Post 301 auxiliary to sell poppies at various locations on May 30.

– Agreed to close certain streets for the July 3 fireworks display sponsored by the Connellsville Chamber of Commerce.

– Accepted the resignation of recreation department employee William Critchfield.

– Welcomed El Canela, a new Mexican restaurant located on West Crawford Avenue, near Lions Square and Discount Party Store, at the Widewaters Commons Plaza.

Reminded residents of the May 24 Geranium Festival to be held on West Crawford Avenue and the May 26 Memorial Day Parade. The festival will begin a 9 a.m. and continue to 5 p.m. The parade gets underway at 10 a.m.