At its final meeting of the year on December 20, Hanover Township Supervisors unanimously adopted an $8.4 million spending plan next year that holds the line on taxes for the ninth year in a row. The millage rate, 3.90, includes a 0.5 mill "fire tax" started in 2008 to defray the costs of planned capital projects. Saving worked, and Hanover eliminated all of its debt two years ago.
A home assessed at $100,000 will get a $390 Township tax bill, compared to $709 in Bethlehem Township or $825 in Palmer Township.
Hanover Township's real estate tax is lower than any other municipality in Northampton County excepting Moore Township, where the millage rate is 4.0. Moore Township is only $310,000 in debt, according to state records.
Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
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Tuesday, December 27, 2016
16 comments:
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Other than the physical size and population of Hanover (which makes for lower operating costs), the biggest reason for no tax hike is that development is still happening. When development maxes out, new revenue will slow to a crawl, and a tax hike will be unavoidable, much like neighboring BT.
ReplyDeleteIf the homeowners in Hanover weren't saddled with bloated BASD school tax bills, they would probably have one of the overall lowest property tax rates around here.
ReplyDeleteA government entity living and not spending beyond its means. Are they for hire?
ReplyDelete8:26, As someone who attends most of their meetings, I can assure you that development maxed out at Hanover long ago, as it has in Bethlehem Tp as well. Hanover is fiscally conservative,and that is why it continues to prosper. It does not spend money it does not have. For example, it refuses to include grant applications in its budgets until it actually receives the money. Its fire tax has enabled it to set aside money for major acquisitions. Its staff, like those in most municipalities, is very dedicated. Despite my critical nature, I like what I see there. To be honest, that is what I see in many of the Townships.
ReplyDeleteThe fire tax is not a panacea. While it provides funding for apparatus, all other fire related expenses must be taken from that fund, as well (fire hydrant rental, fire code enforcement, etc) It can also have a negative impact on the fund raising efforts of the volunteers.
ReplyDeleteHanover is a shining example of municipal governance in the LV. An excellent Board of Supervisors, led by President Diochianos, and highly skilled manager Finnegan. It's residents are fortunate to have these officials serving them.
ReplyDeleteIs there a surplus? If so,perhaps a rebate in order? It's not their money
ReplyDeleteFire tax should be eliminated until the volunteer fire Co gets their own house in order...50 grand stolen earlier this yr..never heard about it again
ReplyDeleteWorking its way through the courts.
DeleteYou do know the fire co. doesn't get that money right? All the apparatus are township owned, that money is merely a safe keeping to replace a truck or engine. A new ladder truck is over a million dollars, engine and rescue truck are 500k each. If the township had to fork it out every time Hanover needed them the taxes would be much higher. Learn your facts. Embezzling money is in every field, don't make pompous remarks about members of the community before you know the facts. Hanover has one of the finest bunch of fireman in this county, highly trained and very professional. The thief was in court yesterday and will be in court again in march; maybe you shouldn't post again until you get your facts in order
DeleteMr. Finnegan at 12:36, we all thank you.
ReplyDeleteSomeone is awfully jealous. Having attended numerous meetings in Hanover, Finnegan always gives credit to the staff.
DeleteI wonder how much Bethlehem Twp could save if they outsourced its police force as Hanover Twp does?
ReplyDeleteIt's not really outsourced. It is a regional force, to which the Township pays a lot of money. To me, one of the most basic purposes of local government is police protection. If unable or unwilling to provide it, the government should be abolished and forced to merge with a locality that does offer police coverage. interestingly, that is the law in Canada.
ReplyDeleteI meant Bethlehem Twp.
ReplyDelete@3:16,
ReplyDeleteEnough with the misdirection and sensationalism. The fire tax goes into the Township's coffers, not the fire company's.