COUDERSPORT — The Potter County Commissioners approved a resolution that increases the compensation rate for tax collectors elected to municipal offices.
Resolution #1 of 2017 passed, and tax collectors will earn $5.50 for each parcel, collected or uncollected, and $0.50 for each per capita tax. The per capita tax is currently suspended, however, so tax collectors will not receive those rates unless the tax is reinstated.
Previously, tax collectors received $5.00 for collected parcels, $4 for uncollected and $0.30 for per capita tax collection. The new rates will go into effect at the beginning of 2018, after this year’s municipal election.
Commissioner Susan Kefover read aloud a response written to an editorial printed in a local newspaper by a resident questioning whether or not small towns can continue to survive.
“The letter sparked a response in me because I absolutely believe they can be,” Kefover said.
“The trend now nationally is a move from the suburbs to the inner city or small towns where people can truly connect again,” Kefover wrote. “Every community has core groups and individuals who have been facing these challenges head-on.”
Kefover referred to the staging of empty storefronts in the downtown area, proving “that the community is paying attention to its downtown in its beautification, infrastructure, events, strategic planning and marketing outreach.”
“Everyone’s been working so hard, and the good things that are happening can’t be minimized,” said Kefover.
“Those engaged in building their communities are giving their time and talents sacrificially without pay. They are committed because they have faith that their efforts can be fruitful,” she wrote. “These efforts are not in vain. Patience is required. Join the groups already at work!”
In other news, a bridge funding agreement was approved, allotting $20,000 for purchase of materials by Ulysses Township for replacement of the Erickson bridge. The money is coming from Act 13 funding.
Meanwhile, John McLaughlin resigned from his position on the Potter County Planning Commission, effective Jan. 18. The commissioners thanked him for all his hard work serving as the chair and a board member for a number of years. C. Robert Wicker was appointed to serve on the planning commission to fill McLaughlin’s position.
The next commissioners meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 2 at the Gunzburger Building in Coudersport.
