(1/2019) At the December Borough Council meeting, the Council passed the Tax Levy Ordinance which fixed the Tax Rate at 2.45 mills or 24.5 cents on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for 2019. There is no tax increase for the residents of Carroll Valley Borough. Also, without increase, council passed the fixed tax in the amount of .25 mills appropriated for the operation of fire and emergency service for the year 2019.

"Breakfast with Santa" was an overwhelming success. Every child who attended was delighted and dazzled when Santa arrived. The children expressed their wishes as they sat on Santa’s lap. This event was a cooperative effort of the Carroll Valley Recreation Committee, Fairfield Fire and EMS and local citizen volunteers. To have such a successful event, you need to have people who are willing to share some of their personal time for the benefit of others. The volunteers involved were: Gayle Marthers, Amanda Bell, David Hazlett, Joshua Hazlett, Noah Hazlett, Jeni Jarrell, Mike Kulkusky, Marty Qually, Jessica Kraft, Crystal Durbin, Karen Maichle, Tim Skoczen, Jason Yeager, Beth Cool, Diane Fredrikis, and Lily Fredrikis. Fire Company volunteers were: Betsy Bucher, Bud Creighton, Charlie Deardorff, Pat Feeser, Brianna Fitez, Steve Fitez, Chad Fogle, Mike Hartdagen, Brian Horner, David Metz, Diana Ratliff, Larry Schneider and Brad Shughart.

This year a "Sensitive Santa" period was held after "Breakfast with Santa" ended. Sensitive Santa is an event for families with children with all spectrums of special needs, providing a more controlled and welcoming environment to the experience of visiting Santa. Adjustments are made to reduce sensory stimuli (muted lights, music and waiting in long lines to visit Santa) to create a calming environment. Special thanks go to Santa Koz. Pictures can be seen at www.ronspictures.net.

Did you receive a letter notification from Park’s Garbage Service that your 2019 bill will be increased due to a Fuel Fee? Ignore! On December 17th, the Borough confirmed with Park’s, that this notice was sent in error, and that the contract signed by the Borough, on behalf of all customers in the Borough will continue to be served without any rate increase as was agreed to in the contract. Park’s has expressed regret for the notice being sent in error and apologizes for any confusion. The Electronics-Recycling Events for 2019 are scheduled to be held on April 13th, July 13th and October 12th. All events will be held in Hamiltonban Township from 8:00 am to noon. The specific location will be announced in future flyers.

Are you aware of the process change dealing with property improvement permits? The first step in the process is to determine whether a permit is required from your municipality and county. For Carroll Valley residents, you can visit/call the Borough for the information. Or, do your own research online by visiting the Carroll Valley website (carrollvalley.org) and click on Permits on the home page. The projects that require a building permit are listed and the application for a permit form can be downloaded. If your project does not require a Carroll Valley permit, you are now required to obtain an exemption letter from the Borough prior to visiting the Adams County Tax Services Department and asking for the issuance of a County Property Improvement Permit. County uses their permit to maintain the real estate assessment rolls. The County requires an Improvement Permit for new construction, additions, alterations, and improvements with a value of $2,500 or more. This County Improvement Permit is obtained from Tax Services Department at the cost of $10. The change to the process is the County’s requirement that you must obtain an exemption letter, even though, you may not require a Borough building permit. Bottomline, visit or contact the Borough before going to County when considering what documentation is need when improving your property.

With January comes snow and ice which means you need to make sure that you winterized your car. If you haven’t, you need to get it done. Check the car’s tires and tire pressure, the heat/defroster and wipers. Please slow down. If you drive too fast, those antilock brakes will not help you to come to a smooth stop. When driving behind another car, remember to leave more space between your car and the car in front of you. Some experts tell us that this distance is four car lengths for every 10 mph you are traveling. Remember you have less control over your car during bad road conditions. If the Borough declares a Snow Emergency, the roads on the snow emergency route will be cleared first for obvious reasons. Please keep the snow emergency route clear (no parked cars, etc.) to make it safe for our road crew to do their job and for a first responder to answer an emergency call.

Borough meetings in January are: Tree Board (Jan 3rd), Planning Commission (Jan 7th), Borough Council (Jan 15th), Sewer/Water Authority (Jan 21st) and Parks/Recreation Committee (Jan 23rd). Borough office will be closed on Monday, January 1st. Please reduce your speed to make sure you, your loved ones, your friends and neighbors will be safe. If you have any questions call me at 301-606-2021 or email MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.