Tax Hike Looms for Renovo Borough

by Barbara Mastriania

RENOVO  – A one mill tax hike may be coming for Renovo borough residents.

The final verdict isn’t in yet, but borough council members spent much of their November session discussing  budget matters.  Council said the hike may be necessary to meet increasing expenses.

A preliminary budget was not presented last Wednesday evening, but there were indications it proposes a one mill tax hike and possible pay raises for some borough employees.

Councilwoman Merry Ann Olshefskie said she will not vote for the budget if it included tax hikes for borough employees. And Councilman Paul Fantaskey said the police should not get pay raises through a tax hike. “There are too many people who are behind on taxes now because of the last tax hike,” Fantaskey said.

Some council members apparently expected the preliminary budget was to be voted upon at the November meeting. Councilwoman Rhonda Balchun said council members knew a tax raise was on the way. She said last month every council member was given a copy of the proposed budget. No one called her about it or questioning the millage increase, she said.

She offered a bright spot noting that the borough can save $5,000 a year on insurance by purchasing it through a group of municipalities. By doing so, she said Renovo can get a higher amount of coverage with lower deductibles.

As for the possible tax increase, Roy Darrin, owner of multiple properties in the borough, said he doesn’t think the borough taxes are high enough. “I’m happy to pay that extra mill of tax,” he said. We need things done in this borough.”

Darrin asked council president Randy Bibey if they had an opinion from the borough’s attorney whether the owners of dilapidated buildings must repair properties or lose them. Bibey said those abandoned and dilapidated properties remain a problem issue; Renovo can neither afford to repair or demolish the buildings.

The Knights of Columbus is an example. Ownership of the property remains unclear. It had to be demolished because it was a safety hazard. The cost to the financially strapped borough was $25,000. The county paid $11,000 for dumpster service and removal of the debris.

It was noted that state rented space for a wine and spirits store in the K of C building for many years. The question was raised as to where the rent money went, where the escrow account with the rent money is.

Council will hold a budget meeting Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. in the borough building.

Mayor Donald Pagnotto praised the area volunteers for their work to clean up around town prior to Flaming Foliage and because they are continuing  with their promise to improve the town and its image.