(12/22) Carroll Valley Borough taxes will increase in 2024 despite two council member's’ objections.
The council voted 5-2 on Dec. 12 to approve a 0.3 mill tax increase, bringing the tax rate to 2.75 mills. Council members John Schubring and Kari Buterbaugh opposed the tax increase, even though they voted to approve advertising the budget in November with intent to adopt.
The decision to raise taxes for the first time in 12 years is a result of council’s desire to add a fourth full-time police officer to the borough’s force, Borough Manager Dave Hazlett said. Schubring said he agrees with bolstering the force but opposes a tax increase. He preferred the council delay the decision one year, especially since the department currently has just two officers.
Hazlett asked Schubring why he did not raise they concern in November, to which he did not respond. Hazlett told the council that altering the budget would require another advertisement and special meeting before the year’s end. He said the council could reopen the budget in January after new members Cody Gilbert and Catherine Schubring take office. Hazlett warned such an action would have a consequence.
"You can’t hire a fourth police officer and not raise taxes," Hazlett said.
Police officers are paid $70,000 plus benefits, according to the borough’s proposed budget.
Council President Richard Mathews said that is not a path he wants to explore. Pennsylvania State Police respond to Carroll Valley when its municipal department is off-duty. Mathews commended the state police for its work, but noted their resources are stretched. He fears longer response times by a department that covers the entire county could put residents in danger.
Increasing taxes to add a fourth officer indicates a change in priorities from three years ago. In 2021, the council rejected then-Police Chief Richard Hileman’s request for a fourth officer because it did not want to increase taxes. At the time, Mathews supported a smaller force in exchange for a stagnant tax rate. When Schubring asked him about his change of heart, Mathews said he believes current Police Chief Clifford Weikert presented a stronger case than Hileman.
"I think we a naive to think we can continue that path and still achieve what we want to achieve as a community," Mathews said.
Council member Jessica Kraft agreed, adding that the tax increase will cost the average homeowner about $72 annually.
"The well being of my family is not worth $6 a month," Kraft said.
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