West Chester Asks Residents For Input On Borough Life, Spending

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester Borough's Financial Advisory Committee wants to hear from borough residents.

The survey includes basic questions about residency It's 36 questions long, and asks for input about things from trash pick, to borough services, to use of the borough's website.

Survey items include open-ended questions that allow respondents to answer however they like, explaining why they live in the borough and what they like or dislike about it. The survey does not contain any identifying information, the borough advertisement said. Responses are confidential and meant to help the borough understand what is important to residents, the committee stated.

"Your input as a resident of the Borough of West Chester is essential to understanding how important the services of the Borough are to you. Please participate," the Financial Advisory Committee said.

The survey can be taken here.

West Chester Borough's budget deficit and possible tax hike will be matter for discussion at a finance and revenue committee meeting Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Revenue in West Chester Borough fell with parking revenue this year, and a preliminary budget called for a 13 percent raise in taxes.

Borough Council meets for a work session on Oct. 20 and will hold a voting session on Oct. 21, both meetings at 7 p.m. Information about joining virtual meetings can be found here.

Mayor Dianne Herrin said Borough Council is pondering a property tax increase because "the 2021 Borough budget projections are currently $670,000 out of balance, due in part to reduced parking revenue."

A preliminary 2021 budget in September included a 13 percent proposed property tax increase. However, work on the budget will continue through December.