Despite a projected $1 million budget surplus, Collingdale Borough Council voted to raise real estate taxes by about 31%. The council passed a tax rate of 14.24 mills for 2025. The 2024 millage was 10.865. The 2025 trash and sewer fees are also going up. Council President Ryan Hastings noted that a lack of reserve funds and community center repairs are expenses that contributed to the increase. Borough Manager C. Michael Robinson said he expects more than $1 million will be needed for capital expenses. Robinson also noted a dramatic decrease in income from fines, permits and licensing fees in the past two years had contributed to a significant loss in borough revenue. In 2023 the reduction was 34%, and nearly 44% since 2022. Council enacted a new fee for all commercial and business dwellings, requiring them to obtain an annual Business Dwelling License effective in March. Council also amended the short-term rental code to request additional safety protections, semiannual inspections, and limited rentals to people age 21 and over.
Source: Daily Times; 1/2/2025