Masontown increases local services tax
MASONTOWN — Borough council voted unanimously Tuesday to increase the local service taxes from $10 to $52 a year starting in January.
Previously known as the occupational privilege tax, the levy is collected from people who work in the borough. The maximum amount the borough could assess is $52 a year.
“It’s a way to generate a little more income, and it doesn’t burden local property owners,” said council President Harry Lee.
In other business, people can pay their water bills electronically by accessing funds from a bank account or credit card. The processing fee would be $3.50, which many council members agreed is better than a $30 reconnect fee charged after service has been terminated because of an unpaid water bill. To access the information needed to pay the bill online, visit the borough’s website at masontownpa.com.
Lee told council that the Fayette County Redevelopment Authority will handle the demolition of dilapidated buildings at 22 N. Main St. He said a report found that the buildings have no historic value. Preliminary estimates indicate the work will cost less than $10,000.
“I’m really thrilled that it is coming down and it has been an eyesore and a safety hazard on Main Street for many years,” said Mayor Toni Petrus.
In another matter, the borough is in the process of drafting a corrective action plan to address flooding. Borough engineer Russ Mechling said he met recently with the state Department of Environmental Protection. He said the DEP agreed with the borough about the steps it plans to take to reduce flooding.
“The DEP was sympathetic,” Mechling said. “If we did a pretty good job on some or part of it, they wouldn’t be pushing us too hard.”
In an unrelated matter, Petrus thanked everyone, particularly Councilman Frank McLaughlin and his wife, Leslie, who coordinated the event, for their support of a fundraiser aimed at providing money for food and care of the borough’s K-9 unit. A sporting clay shoot was held Sunday at the shooting academy at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington to raise money for the animal.
“We want to thank everyone who donated and supported Brony, our K-9 unit,” Petrus said.
In other matters, council:
n Announced that the Halloween Spooktacular will be held Oct. 27. Main Street will be closed 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. from Cross Avenue to Virginia Street to accommodate a parade. Activities will follow.
n Announced that anyone who has not paid their water bill owed to the borough will have his or her water shut off on Oct. 4.
n Council will advertise for the sale of property at Highland Avenue.