Columbia Borough Police are attempting to identify the male suspect in the picture, who attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill to purchase merchandise at Andy’s Market. Businesses and residents be on the lookout for counterfeit currency depicted in the attached photograph.
If you have information regarding the male please contact the Columbia Borough Police at 717-684-7735 or text LANCS to 847411
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020
Reference ID: CB-20-00758
Case Status: Current
Case Type: Criminal
Source: Columbia Borough Police Department
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/cases/counterfeit-bill
COLUMBIA BOROUGH WOULD PAY $19169.92. THAT’S $1.85 PER PERSON FOR STATE POLICE.
LOST: Large, gray, male Tabby named Gary. He has been missing since Monday evening, 2/3. He was last seen at his home across from the Columbia Public Library. His front paws are declawed and is a very pampered house cat. A reward is being offered for his safe return.
Thola Wolanski
607-738-8526
Columbia Borough Council needs to make some tough decisions on projects and be more proactive in collecting delinquent taxes. That was the message from interim borough manager Candie L. Johnson at Tuesday night’s council work session.
Johnson pointed out the large commitment to the market house project voted on by the previous council. “They made that decision,” Johnson said. “That’s the way you gotta go.” But Johnson said some things on the list must be pushed back or eliminated. She urged council to prioritize projects and decide which ones they can and can’t do. “We’re in a situation – we can’t borrow any money. We got to figure out how to do what we have to do. And they’re going to be hard, tough decisions for you guys. Really tough decisions to make.”
Johnson also noted that some items were being paid from the borough’s general fund that shouldn’t have been. “The general fund needs love,” she said. “There’s a lot of things that we’re paying in the general fund that shouldn’t be paying in the general fund.” Johnson said she found $120,000 that was paid out of the general fund that should have been paid out of a different fund. She said $125,000 can now be put back into the general fund.
Delinquent taxes, liens, and “past dues”
Johnson also told council it needs to be more proactive in collecting “past dues,” liens, and delinquent tax payments to help with revenues. Historically, municipalities would simply impose a lien on a property, which in turn could delay getting the money for years. Borough solicitor Evan Gabel said council needs to develop a strategy for collecting liens. “Sometimes they’ll sit out there for a long time,” he said.
Similarly, delinquent taxes can delay funds needed by the borough for operating expenses. “It’s something that we really need to look at and make sure we’re getting our money on a timely manner and we’re being really enforceable with what we can and cannot do to get our tax dollars,” Johnson said. “I think you have a lot of tax dollars stuck.”
Johnson noted that some people aren’t paying their taxes on time, and it’s not fair to those who do. “When it comes to past dues and liens and stuff like that, I think you need to be a little bit more proactive. It’s not fair to the taxpayers who are paying their money,” she said. “We’re not a savings and loan.” Johnson added that services could be scaled back if monies aren’t received on a timely basis. “If you don’t get the funds you need to provide good service, services are going to have to be cut,” she said.
Mayor Leo Lutz explained that a large group of the delinquent taxes stem from businesses. “They’re not paying the tax until they absolutely have to, and the reason is they want to keep that capital liquid to do business.” Lutz said that although businesses might have no intention of defaulting, they keep the money as long as possible. Lutz recommended sending a letter to delinquent taxpayers as a reminder.
Gabel said that according to state law, a property owner must be two years delinquent before any action can be taken. He cited an example in which taxes are due in 2018-19 and the property is due to go to a “free-and-clear” sale. In that case, the property is safe as long as the owners pay the 2018 taxes. “They game the system,” he said.
“Government — whether in DC or the local borough — | works for the taxpayers, not the other way around. And Pennsylvanians get it, according to the results of the latest Franklin & Marshall Poll. The poll found that 79 percent of registered voters said they agreed with this statement: ‘Citizens should have the right to obtain any government record with few restrictions.’ Only 19 percent said the public’s right to government information should apply ‘only in limited circumstances.’ – PA Post e-blast
Columbia Spy 