DP News

March 17, 2010

Resident says Dallas Twp. overtaxes

John Newman says audit shows surplus of about $1.2 million at end of 2009.

By Sarah Hite shite@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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DALLAS TWP. – Resident John Newman accused the board of supervisors Tuesday evening of overtaxing residents.

Newman, of Wedgewood Way, said he recently reviewed the 2009 audit, which was published in the newspaper.

According to Newman, the excess of revenues over expenditures at the end of 2009 was approximately $1.2 million. Newman says that amount is about $312,000 over the projected $900,000 surplus in the 2010 budget.

“That’s a pretty big miss by 300-some thousand,” Newman said. “I believe it came from over-taxation.”

Newman asked the supervisors last December to reduce the municipal tax rate prior to the passing of the 2010 budget.

The supervisors declined Newman’s request and passed the budget in December with a tax rate of .52 mills. A mill is a $1 tax for every $1,000 in assessed property value.

Vice Chairman Frank Wagner said the township plans to use the money for paving roads. Supervisor Glenn Howell said at least 12 roads will be paved this year.

Newman asked if there are any limits on cash that can be held according to township code.

Attorney Thomas Brennan, who serves as the township’s solicitor, said he did not know but would be happy to research it.

Newman also said 13 percent of real estate taxes in the township had not been collected as of Dec. 31, 2009. He asked if that number has changed since then.

Township tax collector Leonard Kozick said he does not receive reports from the county when delinquent taxes are collected, but he believes many delinquent accounts were paid since then.

Newman added that the 13 percent in tax delinquencies in 2009 was equal to the county rate.

Rebecca Bria, a staff writer, may be reached at 970-7436.

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