Property Tax Hike In Phoenixville Will Fund New Fire Station

PHOENIXVILLE — The $25 million 2021 budget up for a vote on Dec. 8 will raise property taxes for 2021 if adopted as proposed, funding a new fire station and supporting parks and recreation.

The Phoenixville Borough Council will vote to decide on a proposed increase of the tax rate to 7.2 mills in 2021 from 6.23 mills.

"Millage" rates give an amount property owners will be taxed for every $1,000 of their property's total tax-assessed value. Based on an average home assessment of $108,000 in the borough, the average homeowner in Phoenixville will pay $105 more in taxes in 2021 than they did last year, said Borough Manager E. Jean Krack.

"The increase is entirely due to the $15 million bond council voted to take out last month to replace the Civic Center building at 123 Main St. and the current firehouse at 177 Church St.," explained Krack.

Krack said both buildings are more than 100 years old and in need of significant repair. The borough's recreation center at 123 Main St. is in need of upgrades to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. At the fire station, space to store equipment is tight, and discussion of a new facility has been on the table for more than 10 years.

There are no increases in water or sewer services nor is there any increase in trash and recycling services.

The 7.2 mills to be assessed is divided into 4.76 mills for general purposes; 1.32 mills for fire protection; and 1.21 mills for public parks and recreation.

Phoenixville Borough Council members voted 6-1 in favor of the bond at an interest rate of 2.349 percent, with Robert W. Baird investment bank, who among bids offered had the lowest interest rate.

Council member Richard Kirkner voted against the bond. Missing from the vote roll call was Council Vice President Edwin Soto, who was absent from the meeting.

The proposed budget funds the purchase of a new garbage truck, but keeps trash collection rates where they are.

The meeting to vote on the budget begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 8. Borough Council meetings are livestreamed here.