Tax money delay to hold up paving projects

LEHMAN TWP. -- Supervisor and Roadmaster Doug Ide announced Monday night that no new paving projects will take place in the township until the tax collection problems with Centax/Don Wilkinson Agency have been resolved.

The township is currently $150,000 short of usual revenues because of the failure of Centax to disburse tax revenues back to the township.

Numerous municipalities have complained about problems receiving earned income tax revenues from the agency based in western Pennsylvania that the county hired to be in compliance with a state law mandating a single collector for all county municipalities and school districts.

Board Chairman David Dutton said the township is doing well in spite of the problem. He said the township is still in good financial shape.

"We have Alvin," referring to Treasurer Alvin Cragle. "With his financial planning, we're OK," Dutton said.

Also, supervisors announced that single-stream recycling receptacles are now available at the township building.

Gates giving access to the recycling receptacles will be open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and on second and fourth Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Dutton asked residents to spread the word that the recycling area is for all public use, not just for township residents. Recycling containers for purchase as well as information about acceptable materials for recycling will be available at the township building.

In other matters:

• Ide said he attended a seminar on mapping the township using free programs such as Google Maps, Google Earth in conjunction with smartphone GPS technology. "I think this is the way to go," he said.

• The paving project at Cease Terrace will be completed on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.

• There will be a special township meeting in September to address changes to current zoning and property maintenance ordinances as well as to discuss an ordinance prohibiting recreational vehicles in residential areas.

The supervisors meeting will be on Sept. 17.