Politics & Government
Newtown Residents May See Steep Tax Hike In 2021
The proposed budget calls for a 178 percent tax hike, citing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the town's financial future.
NEWTOWN, PA — Homeowners in Newtown Township could face a 178 percent increase in property taxes if a proposed 2021 budget is approved.
Financial management consulting firm Econsult Solutions, Inc., developed a 5-year financial plan for the township in September that calls for a long-term economic development strategy, pursuit of intergovernmental cost-sharing strategies and property tax increases, citing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the town's financial future.
At its Wednesday meeting, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to request that Township Manager Micah Lewis come up with an alternative budget that only increases property taxes by 40 percent.
Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I voted against this 'do over' primarily because I thought it was a waste of the Manger's time," Supervisor John Mack said. "More than likely the new version will not include what I consider necessary improvements in services for residents."
Lewis has said the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to lower than expected earned income tax revenues, particularly in the months of March, April and May, leading to the lowest general fund balance ever recorded.
Find out what's happening in Newtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"The impacts of COVID-19 not only affected the 2020 operation and budget, but will impact the 2021 Budget as funds that were not expended in 2020 for training, capital purchases, general expenditures, etc. will need to be allocated in 2021 to resolve the deficiencies caused by the pandemic," Lewis wrote in his 9-page 2021 recommended budget report.
The budget will be discussed at the supervisors' meeting on Nov. 10. All meetings take place in the township public meeting room, 100 Municipal Drive. Seating is limited due to social distancing requirements and masks are required.
If you cannot attend in person, you can submit comments via email to comments@newtownpa.gov. Meetings are also simultaneously televised on cable TV: channel 22 (Comcast Xfinity) and 40 (Verizon Fios).
See also: How to Calculate Your Yearly Newtown Township Property Tax
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