Winfield Township residents could see a substantial increase in their taxes next year, but officials say the decision did not come lightly.
Township Secretary Adam Hartwig says the proposed 2016 budget, which was presented at the Nov. 19 monthly supervisors’ meeting, includes a property tax rate of 5 mills, which is a 66% increase from the current 3 mill rate. The average Winfield homeowner would see their bill rise $40. The average residential property in Winfield is assessed at $18,627.
Hartwig said the hike will sustain a 7-year capital improvement plan. The extra money will be transferred into a new capital improvement fund (something Winfield’s budget has never included before) which will then be used for new projects and updated infrastructure.
“We took a more widespread, long-term approach this year for the township as a whole,” Hartwig said. “This is not something that has been done before.”
He says he understands a tax increase is not popular and it’s not what the township wants to do…but stresses township officials can justify why they’re doing it.
Also, he doesn’t want residents to think Winfield is trying to turn into a Cranberry Township, with developments through the roof. He says Winfield will largely remain a rural, bedroom community with commercial development along Route 356. Still, things like new computers, dump trucks and regular maintenance on the roads need done to keep the township moving forward.
“We have to plan for our future,” he said. “This was something we spent a lot of time on. I had the support of the whole board.”
The supervisors are expected to vote on the budget and possible tax hike Dec. 17. If passed, Hartwig says the township should not expect to raise taxes again for at least seven years, barring any catastrophes.
“This is a culture change in Winfield,” he said. “A lot of great things are happening here.”
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