Joe Hammer, Bethlehem Township Manager, published a great article in the Morning Call about the challenges facing local governments in balancing municipal budgets.
For the past few years, municipalities across Pennsylvania have been depended upon earned income taxes, permit fees and realty transfer taxes to support critical services to our citizens. As these revenue streams have declined steeply, many local governments have implemented a wave of tax increases.
Somehow, we need to figure out how to diversify our revenue streams by creating a strong local economy. We need to understand why so many Forks business fail, so we can sure that future business in Forks township can successful.
Joe Hammer believes "No, local governments in Pennsylvania will have to balance budgets the old-fashioned way -- cutting spending, raising taxes, or both. For local governments -- responsible for policing neighborhoods, plowing snow, filling potholes, collecting leaves, maintaining parks and pools -- there are no easy solutions, no financial gimmicks, and no quick fixes".
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