News Briefs for December 6, 2024
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The Bucks County Justice Center in Doylestown was constructed between 2011 and 2015. The county is considering a no-tax-increase budget for 2025.
Photo: Jimmy Emerson DVM (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
PA legislature deadlocks on expanding consumer protections in utility law
Pennsylvania state lawmakers ended their legislative session without reauthorizing a consumer protection law that bans companies from shutting off low-income customers’ utilities during the winter. Failure to renew the 20-year-old law known as Chapter 14 will not cause a wave of disconnections, because the Public Utility Commission has adopted most of the protections into its internal regulations, according to consumer advocates. The advocates say lawmakers missed an opportunity to pass stronger consumer protection rules as low-income residents face higher energy prices and that the protections under Chapter 14 are no longer enough. While customers are protected from winter shutoffs, the law allows companies to tack additional fees, fines and deposits onto low-income customers’ bills. Read more from Spotlight PA.
Source: Spotlight PA; 12/3/2024
Shapiro announces Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program
Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed Executive Order 2024-04, creating the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track Program to streamline the commonwealth’s permitting process for key economic development and infrastructure projects, increase transparency, and accelerate timelines to ensure state government delivers results quickly and efficiently. The program streamlines permitting for high-impact economic development and infrastructure projects that require multiple permits from different state agencies. The Office of Transformation and Opportunity provides interagency coordination and transparency for project sponsors and the public alike.
Source: PA DCED; 11/2024
PA launches one-stop state grant website
Pennsylvania has launched a one-stop grant website with information about the many state grants that are available to a variety of constituents. Find out more here.
Source: Montgomery County Planning Commission; 12/2024
Historical buildings require specialized skills that are in short supply
Of an estimated 96 million buildings in the United States, just over 40% are more than 50 years old, according to a 2022 workforce report commissioned by the Campaign for Historic Trades, an organization that aims to raise the profile of the historic trades. Meanwhile, restoration proposals for properties have gotten more inventive. Megan McNish, eastern region community preservation coordinator for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, said commercial spaces were in greater demand about five years ago, but lately residential projects have increased. Repurposing religious properties is also an increasingly popular undertaking. Read more about the trade shortage challenges in the Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/4/2024
Bucks preliminary budget holds the line on taxes
Bucks County released its preliminary operating budget for 2025 that maintains the current tax rate. The $498.7 million budget includes a 2.4% increase in expenditures; however, revenues are projected to increase at the same rate. The current county property tax rate is 27.45 mills. The average residential property in Bucks County has a tax-assessed value of about $33,930, and a mill is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value, making the average tax bill about $931. In coming weeks, the commissioners will analyze the proposed 2025 budget and hold a hearing where members of the public can ask questions and offer comments. The commissioners are scheduled to consider and vote on Wednesday, Dec. 18, on a final 2025 budget.
Source: Bucks County & Bucks County Courier Times; 11/27/2024
Doylestown Borough preliminary budget maintains current tax rate
The 2025 Doylestown Borough preliminary budget holds the line on taxes. The average homeowner will pay $644 in total borough real estate taxes in 2025. The new budget will include a water rate increase. The 2025 Water Fund Budget has been severely impacted by the national PFOS/PFAS contamination crisis and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s stringent new lead remediation regulations. Borough officials estimate that at least $13 million may be necessary to address the issues over the next five years. Water rates will increase in 2025, resulting in a $9.56 increase in the average residential customer’s quarterly bill from about $72 to $81. Despite the increase, borough water rates are expected to remain well below the regional average. Read more on the Doylestown Borough website.
Source: Doylestown Borough; 11/20/2024
Taxes steady in Upper Makefield
Upper Makefield Township supervisors approved the final budget for 2025 that maintains the current 6.45-mill tax rate. A mill is equal to $1 of each $1,000 of assessed property value, so a property assessed at $70,000 will pay $451 in township real estate taxes. The township’s portion is only one component of a property tax bill, along with school and county real estate taxes. Upper Makefield’s earned income tax is expected to generate approximately $4.75 million in revenue, and projections are that the 0.5% of real estate transfer taxes will generate about $700,000 next year.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 11/27/2024
Yardley Borough budget includes tax increase
Yardley Borough Council will vote on a final budget for 2025 on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The budget includes a 2-mill tax increase. The tax increase will bring the total municipal tax millage to 32.07 mills and will add approximately $54 to the tax bill for a home with an average real estate assessment of about $27,200. The increase will amount to an additional $69,380 in revenue that will be used for general purposes, allowing the borough to continue to provide expected services “as costs across the board have increased,” said Borough Manager Paula Johnson. In other news, the borough was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant for $671,292 that will allow the elevation of two more homes prone to flooding. The borough elevated five homes in 2024, bringing the total to 55. Johnson reported that the borough currently has a rating of 8 with the National Flood Insurance Program, allowing for a 10% reduction in flood insurance costs in the borough. Officials are “actively pursuing a modification to a 7 rating, which would be an additional 5% reduction.”
Source: Bucks County Herald; 11/27/2024
Penn Township adds tax increase for emergency services
Penn Township supervisors approved an increase of 0.25% to the earned-income tax at their Nov. 19 meeting. In previous meetings, the supervisors discussed the needs expressed by the fire company and Medic 94 for more support because of the rising costs that those important organizations face. In addition to the material fees, they considered the need for around-the-clock professional staffing and the need to pay professionals for the safety of the township residents. The increase the supervisors approved will raise the fee on an annual income from 0.5% to 0.75%. A person who earns $50,000 a year would pay $375 next year. The current bill in 2024 for that same income is around $250. Residents also pay a property tax to the township at the rate of 0.53 mills.
Source: Chester County Press; 11/27/2024
Commissioners appoint new CEO and COO for Chester County government
Chester County commissioners announced a restructuring of the top administrative positions for county government, naming David Byerman as chief executive officer and Erik Walschburger as chief operating officer. Byerman will focus on shaping the strategic vision and overall leadership, while Walschburger will ensure things run smoothly day-to-day. Byerman has had a “distinguished career managing complex organizations, fostering innovation, and advancing public services,” according to a county announcement. Walschburger’s promotion to chief operating officer follows seven months as acting county administrator, preceded by two years as deputy county administrator. He currently serves as a board member of the Chester Water Authority.
Source: Chester County; 11/26/2024
Kennett Square reaches tentative agreement with firefighters on funding emergency services
After weeks of private negotiations, regional firefighters and Kennett Square Borough officials reached a tentative, two-year contract agreement. “The ability for both teams to compromise for the benefit of everyone they serve is a lesson for others in government,” said Bob Norris, president of borough council. If council votes to approve the proposed plan, Kennett Regional Fire Department would continue to provide emergency services to residents through 2026.
Source: Daily Local; 11/27/2024
East Bradford amends code for volunteer tax credit
East Bradford Township supervisors at their Nov. 7 meeting approved Ordinance 04-2024 to amend the township code — Chapter 99, "Taxation," Section 99-17, "Earned Income Tax" — to add a new article IV, titled "Real Estate Tax Credit to Qualifying Volunteers," and other miscellaneous provisions provided herein.
Source: East Bradford Township; 11/2024
West Goshen revises office hours
The West Goshen Township administrative offices will be open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Friday by appointment. To make a Friday appointment, email Township Manager Christopher Bashore at twp@westgoshen.org.
Source: West Goshen Township; 11/26/2024
Warehouse development rumors swirl in East Nottingham
Rumors are circulating in East Nottingham Township about a large warehouse land development plan at Old Baltimore Pike and Graves Road. While a proposal has been submitted to the township planning commission, it has not yet been placed on the agenda for the next public meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 10.
As Delco weighs 23% tax hike, Essential Utilities makes bid for DELCORA
Delaware County Council is considering a proposed $321 million budget that would raise property taxes by 23%. For a home assessed at the county average of $255,108, the tax bill would increase about $185 from $803 to $988. At a Dec. 3 council budget workshop, county executive director Barbara O’Malley explained that costs have increased. Chris Franklin, CEO of Essential Utilities, the parent company of Aqua, proposed a way for the county to improve its finances — allow his company to buy the DELCORA sewer system, which would put $125 million into the county coffers. DELCORA — the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority — serves nearly 500,000 county residents, collecting and conveying an average daily wastewater flow of approximately 60 million gallons per day. County council members noted that many of the factors in the proposal did not provide a long-term solution for the county’s financial position. Councilman Richard Womack said a commission needs to be set up to look at county finances long-term. “We are facing a systemic financial crisis right now,” Womack said. “It’s going to require a bold, collaborative, strategic action to ensure a long, financial stability with a positive cash flow for the next decade.”
Source: Daily Times; 12/4/2024
Chester City looks to increase EIT by more than 36 percent
The City of Chester is proposing to raise the earned income tax for residents from 2.75% to 3.75%, which would result in a 36.36 percent increase. The earned income tax for nonresidents would remain 2%. Bill No. 14, which includes the EIT increase, will be considered for final passage on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers, 1 Fourth St.
Source: Daily Times; 11/30/2024
Middletown looking at proposed Baltimore Pike warehouse
A proposal from Outrigger Industrial for a warehouse/distribution center on the former Franklin Mint parcel along Baltimore Pike was received by Middletown Township officials. The warehouse project is just south of the Pennsylvania State Police station. The plans were initially brought before the township planning committee in May. Township Manager John McMullan said the plans are for a 360,000-square-foot distribution center, though he said that footprint might shrink somewhat. McMullen said the township performed an administrative review and the application might go before the planning commission in the second week of January.
Source: Daily Times; 11/25/2024
Upper Darby council discusses fire department staffing
Upper Darby Township officials passed a $99 million budget during a busy council meeting, but much of the discussion was on the future of the fire department. During the meeting, council moved forward on plans to have a third party look at fire and EMS service in the township, as well as plans to search for a permanent fire chief. Brian Boyce has been serving for 18 months as interim chief after the former chief, Derrick Sawyer, resigned. The township’s chief administrative officer, Crandall Jones, asked council members to hire the Center for Public Safety Management with $86,000 in uncommitted federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, along with $7,500 from the township general fund for the study. The same company recently performed a study in neighboring Haverford Township, which has an all-volunteer department. Jones said there is a need for department leadership and the major issue is the shortage of volunteers in the combination paid/volunteer department. Firefighters respond to hundreds of EMS calls in the township annually and with the closing of Delaware County Memorial Hospital, EMS crews are in crisis.
Source: Daily Times; 11/26/2024
Haverford Township updates email addresses
Haverford Township has been experiencing technical difficulties with the township’s email system. To resolve the issue, the township has transitioned employees to a new email domain. Township email addresses will use the “havtwp.com” domain instead of “havtwp.org.” The change does not apply to police department emails.
Source: Haverford Township; 11/19/2024
Radnor's vacant house program helps keep properties safe
Radnor Township Police are offering a home check service to ensure vacant homes are secure. The Vacant House Watch service is available to all township residents. Residents planning to leave town for a holiday weekend or an extended period of time can sign up for home checks to protect their homes. Sign up for a home check here.
Source: Radnor Patch; 11/27/2024
Hatfield looks to add residential rental property inspections
Hatfield Borough Council has been considering an ordinance that will create a Residential Rental Property Inspection program. The proposed draft of the ordinance states the purpose of the ordinance “shall be to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare of its citizens, to establish rights and obligations of owners and occupants relating to residential rental units in the borough, and to encourage owners and occupants to maintain and improve the quality of life and quality of rental housing within the community.” The ordinance will require the registration of rental properties, an annual license and registration fee, and inspection upon registration of the residential rental unit “no less than once every three years.” It also sets forth minimum maintenance requirements. The borough council was scheduled to consider the proposed ordinance at a meeting on Dec. 4.
Source: Hatfield Borough; 11/2024
Norfolk Southern works with advocates to remove tent city in Pottstown
A “tent city” sits on Norfolk Southern Corporation property in Pottstown. It is adjacent to Montgomery County Community College’s satellite campus, bordering College Drive and the railroad tracks just on the edge of the Schuylkill River. As part of a broader effort to sweep the encampment and offer short-term housing at a nearby hotel, yellow signs were taped to trees ordering residents to leave by Jan. 2, 2025. The signs state all “unauthorized” materials and structures will be removed and personal property disposed of. Reading-based homeless service provider Opportunity House is leading the intake efforts at Tent City, and the organization said the approach was made possible by support from “local private funders” and Norfolk Southern. There are 20 hotel rooms available for 40 residents of the encampment through the beginning of spring and, according to Opportunity House, the cohort of collaborators is working on a plan to extend short-term housing services until Pottstown Beacon of Hope is able to build a permanent shelter in 2025. Read more from WHYY.
Source: WHYY; 12/2/2024
Norristown considering amendments to property transfer and sewer lateral inspection ordinance
Norristown municipal staff have recommended making certain revisions and clarifications to the property transfer inspection process, including clarifications to the provisions relating to transfer inspections between family members and revisions to the penalties and violations for failures to comply. The amendments allow for exceptions to a use and occupancy inspection as part of the property transfer process for new construction and certain owner-occupied transfers. Such properties will still be required to comply with all other property transfer requirements, including the filing of the property transfer application. Council next meets at a work session on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6:30 p.m. Check the meeting agenda for more information.
Source: Norristown Municipality; 12/2024
Worcester Township posts final draft budget
Worcester Township officials have posted a 2025 final draft budget that does not include a tax increase for the upcoming year, maintaining a property tax levy of 0.05 mills. The owner of a property assessed at $300,000 can expect a $15 property tax bill to be paid to the township. It is the lowest municipal property tax rate in Montgomery County. The 2025 Worcester Township budget draft goes into detail on the various revenue types and sources, and explains what each department does and the expenses associated with them.
Source: Worcester Township; 12/2024
Lower Pottsgrove accepts bids for building renovations
Lower Pottsgrove Township officials have been searching for a new home for close to 10 years. After bids for a new building at a vacant site ballooned, township commissioners decided in June 2023 to use eminent domain to take the former Visiting Nurses Association building at 1963 E. High St. Renovation of the building stalled over an inability to reach an agreement on “just compensation.” Things are now moving forward and commissioners approved contracts for a general contractor, HVAC, plumbing and electrical work that add up to $5.07 million — less than half the $11.3 million cost for the previous plan. That cost will be borne by the capital budget, funded by a 0.75-mill tax implemented in 2017, Commissioner Robert Mohollen said. The township plans to sell its current building at Buchert and North Pleasantview roads to help defray the cost of its new home.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 12/3/2024
76ers indicate they may give more than $50M for community benefits agreement
The 76ers are negotiating with City Council President Kenyatta Johnson’s office about potentially paying more than $50 million for the community benefits agreement associated with the team’s proposal to build a new arena in Center City. “We are in conversations with the council president about the overall CBA number,” David Gould, the team’s chief corporate affairs officer, said. His comments were an indication the 76ers are willing to do what it takes to get the $1.3 billion project approved by council before lawmakers adjourn for winter recess on Dec. 19. In hearings over the past three weeks, council members have raised concerns about whether the agreement would adequately address community needs and protect neighboring Chinatown and the likelihood that the project will cost SEPTA millions in added operational costs. Negotiations between the team, Parker’s office and council members are in the final stages. The 76ers have said they need council approval by the end of the year to meet their construction timeline, and council has only three more regular meetings in 2024.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/3/2024
Mayor names new directors to lead human resources and city budget
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker appointed two officials to fill roles in the top of her administration, tapping new leaders to oversee the city budget and human resources following a pair of departures. Sabrina Maynard, who was previously the deputy director of finance, will be the administration’s new budget director, a role she filled briefly last year at the end of former Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration. Parker also announced that Candi Jones, the first deputy director of the Office of Human Resources, will now serve as the city’s director of human resources. More than 11 months into Parker’s administration, other key roles still remain in flux. The Department of Public Health and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services each have interim directors.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/26/2024
New plans for vacant lot in the Italian Market feature more retail and no apartments
A long-planned apartment project in the Italian Market appears to be shelved, with the developer instead planning a low-slung retail complex on the southeastern corner of Ninth Street and Washington Avenue. According to a brochure from real estate consultancy MSC, residential proposals for the site have been scrapped and replaced with more than 23,500 square feet of retail space along with a 2,500-square-foot covered pavilion and outdoor deck. “First ground-up, new construction retail development in the heart of The Italian Market in over a generation,” the brochure reads. Since 2015, New York-based Midwood Investment & Development had planned an apartment building for the property. Instead of adding to the residential capacity of the area, Midwood’s new proposal would add outdoor dining options and a communal gathering space, which the stretch of the market south of Washington currently lacks.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 12/3/2024
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