Colebrookdale residents to see tax increase

Starting in January, Colebrookdale Township residents will see their tax bill get a little bigger for the first time in six years.

At a Dec. 3 reading of the township’s 2013 budget, the commissioners announced that real estate taxes will raise .5 mills to a total tax rate of 3.5 mills.

This means that residents will pay $350.00 on a property assessed at $100,000.

“Due to the declined economy over the past few years, the township has seen increased decline in the amount of real estate transfer tax, earned income tax, and per capita tax,” the budget statement read. During this same time period, the statement went on to say, “costs to the township have risen, including gasoline, heating oil and electric. This left the township commissioners with no choice but to increase the taxes to cover expenses.”

Other factors contributing to the township deficit include a $142,000 radio system upgrade and $113,000 in repairs made to two flood-damaged pipes.

Certain township fees will remain at 2012 levels, including the street light assessment fee at .53 per front foot. Recycling fees will continue at $52 per single family unit with a discounted rate of $48 for seniors.

The 3.5 million budget will see total revenues of over $2.5 million and expenses of $2.7 million. Commissioners said that surplus fees to be replenished through the tax increase were used to balance the budget.

In other business, Township Manager Cindy Conrad has been tapped to join the Berks County Tax Collection Committee. The committee serves to select tax collectors within the county.