Borough to move tax collector's office
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Baldwin Borough's newly elected council voted last night to move tax collector Gail Dobson Mikush's office out of the borough building, the Post-Gazette reports. More on the developments leading up to this vote can be found in this South Hills Record article.
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What is my opinion regarding the Baldwin Borough Tax Collectors move to Wallace?
As Borough residents, it makes sense for us to accept what is financially feasible for the Borough as a whole. The Borough is in debt for $1.5 million. This is not a “pity party” for the Tax Collector – implementing change is a necessary business decision.
Four years ago during the previous administration, there was a surplus of funds. Elected Officials as well as Tax Collectors must do their jobs by doing what is best for the entire Borough, not a select few.
Think of this Borough as a Business - Lets recap the facts.
Currently, Baldwin Borough pays $80,000 yearly to maintain the Tax Collectors location at the Borough Building.
The prospect of the Tax Collectors move to Wallace was initiated as a result of a lack of storage for Borough records, not because there was a personal or political vendetta. These records must remain accessible, so it makes sense to have them close to the administration area of the Borough. Paying for storage is very expensive, and records are not easily obtained once stored, as well as hidden fees implemented to view stored items.
The idea of moving the Tax Collectors office to Wallace was brought up as a solution for the storage problem, and it was voted on.
The majority of votes always rule in any business or political arena.
End result, the votes favored the move.
“Berkheimer,” earned income tax office, is already located at Wallace. Wouldn’t it make sense to have people visit one building to pay their taxes? Not to mention, if we truly are concerned about our elderly, the level lot at Wallace is a lot more appealing than the steep hill you have to walk up now to pay your taxes.
This is financial breakdown of what it will cost the taxpayers annually to move the Tax Collectors office to Wallace:
*80% of total cost annually = School District Tax = Borough saves $64,000 a year!
*20% of total cost annually = Baldwin Borough Tax
Would someone please explain to me how this adds up to a Political Vendetta?
Lets really think about WHY the majority of votes were cast for our 4 newly appointed officials on council. What would happen if we continued along the path of a deficit without implementing any changes? Be honest, we need change.
Until next time…”The Hellion.”