EMPORIUM — At Thursday’s meeting, Cameron County Commissioners urged caution on a ballot question to be included during Tuesday’s general election.
The statewide question asks if residents would support an increase in the Homestead Exemption to 100 percent, which would, at least in part, reduce property taxes. However, commissioners caution that the money saved by residents would have to come from somewhere, as it is used to fund school districts.
“The fear I have is that if you eliminate school property taxes, the money has to come from somewhere. You cannot raise the millage to cover that. The taxpayer is still responsible for the debt,” said Commissioner Lori Reed. “The school district has to be funded. The money has to come from somewhere, and it’s got to come from the taxpayers. Will the money then come from the state?”
Reed stated that State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, supports the measure, as if voters show they are interested in that type of measure, it will open a conversation in Harrisburg to change the way taxes are levied. A “yes” vote on the ballot would not make the matter final; the legislature would still have to come up with a bill and pass it in order for any changes to take effect.
Polling places will be open across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Tuesday. This Friday is the last day to submit absentee ballots.
Prothonotary Mary Grace Olay announced that the Pinktober Baskets of Hope fundraiser held in conjunction with GKN employees raised $10,000. Large, themed baskets were placed at the Cameron County Courthouse, with residents stopping in to purchase tickets for $1 each. A total of $6,510 was raised at the courthouse through ticket sales. GKN employees held a separate basket raffle and collected donations, kicking in $3,491 through their efforts.
The money will be used to help 12 Cameron County families with a member currently undergoing treatments for cancer.
Commissioners and county officials are working with municipal tax collectors to ready for a collection agency to step in to collect delinquent per capita and occupational taxes. Notices will be sent to residents with currently delinquent taxes prior to the accounts being sent to collection to give them time to pay before a $25 fee is assessed. The process is free to the county.
Commissioner Jim Thomas reported that the Howard Siding Bridge will be replaced, with work tentatively scheduled to begin in March of 2018. Cost of the project is estimated at $2.8 to $3.2 million.
Thomas stated that bids are to go out soon, with a contract expected to be chosen in December. The bridge will be replaced one side at a time so that a lane can remain open for buses, emergency vehicles and residents to access the road. A stop light system will be in place for traffic control.
The 2017 community development block grant entitlement application was approved in the amount of $203,969. Funds are earmarked for blight remediation and improvements at Northern Tier Community Action Corporation, the Emporium Arms, and the Emporium Senior Center. A resolution was adopted in order to submit the application.
The next meeting of the Cameron County Commissioners will be held at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16 at the courthouse in Emporium.
