PORT ALLEGANY — James Wheeler of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, guest speaker Thursday morning at the 104th annual convention of the McKean County Association of Township Officials, touted the services offered by the state organization and how they benefit members.
For example, Wheeler, PSATS chief education officer and director of training, pointed to the organization’s CDL drug and alcohol testing program, insurance and investment plans, Legal Defense Partnership and communication and cooperation with the associations of township solicitors, engineers, planning and emergency management. “PSATS is gaining such stature that other municipalities want to join, and they can through associate membership,” Wheeler said.
On the legislative front, PSATS has backed legislation that has been recently enacted into law. One of these clarifies that each tax based on property must be made revenue-neutral compared to the previous year after a reassessment, including tax rates established by referendum.
The state’s Motor Vehicle Code now reduces required inspections for vehicles over 17,000 pounds from semi-annual to annual, a provision that fulfills a PSATS resolution.
PSATS worked closely with the State Fire Commission, Department of Community and Economic Development and other local government associations in providing guidance for townships in implementing the Volunteer Fire Local Tax Credit Act that authorizes municipalities to enact a tax credit for real estate and earned income tax for active volunteer firefighters. This law is to be implemented in 2018.
As of Sept. 18, township supervisors may not hold any other elected township office, but they may hold any other appointed or employee township positions, which are not prohibited under the township code.
Wheeler also referred to PSATS positions on bills now in the Legislature. The organization has opposed any plan, including a per-person tax, requiring townships to pay for Pennsylvania State Police services, fearing that any fees would only increase in the future.
Other presenters during the day represented various county agencies, PennDOT, Northwest, Local Government Services, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Local Technical Assistance Program and a company offering loss prevention programs. A unique paving material demonstration was slated to be held outdoors.
Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, spoke at the evening banquet.
