Author: SPY

Johnson said she found 20 projects currently on the books and noted that borough funds are limited to those projects. “You’re going to have to make some serious decisions on these top 20 projects, what can stay and what’s gotta go,” Johnson told council. She noted that although the current council didn’t start the projects, the items are nonetheless in the budget and need to addressed. Johnson reminded councillors that the previous council allocated funds for the projects, and because the funds are now tied up, “There is no more let’s do this, let’s do that.”

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.

https://lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/rough-times-for-lancaster-county-s-hotel-industry-in-occupancy/article_546d74a4-46b6-11ea-85b5-9f88bbc7139a.html 

This information is posted on Columbia News, Views & Reviews

 

A holiday is coming soon.

How will recent changes in the 1972 Clean Water Act affect things?

 Stone walls

They don’t build them like that anymore.

 It’s part of this railroad bridge at the bottom of Plane Street. The date on the bridge reads “1915.”

 A free house on South 2nd?

 This new business on the 400 block of Locust is up and running.

 Here are the business hours.

 Well, at least that garbled message is gone. Now there’s nothing at all.

 Nice car, but consider the destination.

This is the state of our union right now.

 Here’s to hope for the future.

This flag design is being used to draw attention to a business on the 300 block of Chestnut.

 Here are night lights at a new garage business at 4th & Chestnut.

 Frosty morning

 Rooster say thataway!

 Keep this around. Winter’s not done yet.

 The Market House project has begun.

Stage One: Clean out (?)

What are those frames/doors doing in the dumpster?

Hopefully they’re not historic. Is anyone checking?

 It’s quite an event.

 Here are the permits and approvals.

 The project will cost a little over $2 million. A grant will pay for half of that. We will ultimately pay the rest. 

There are plans for a restaurant and standholders to move in when the project is complete. 

 According to the Lancaster County Tax Office, the Columbia Borough School District may be permitted to collect taxes when any operations become income-generating. 

Friday afternoon at the former Masonic Center on Locust

 But the next day, signs were posted.

 And here’s what they say.

 Attack squirrel waiting to pounce

 Ready to roll

 This was part of a tobacco warehouse back in the day. Now it’s part of Wagon Werks Apartments.

 About that free trailer from last week’s post

 At 2nd & Union – not a permit in sight, either for parking or renovations.  

This work has been going on for months.

Selective enforcement?

 Sneaking a peek

 Belgian wheat beer

 Tax appointments on the 300 block of Locust

The tundra swans are back.

 Right on schedule

 They’re a bit more elegant than the park pooping Canada Geese.

Over in Avenue N, someone needed to get that message out.

Here’s a handy way to store/tote your trash.

 The colors, man, the colors!

New business on South 3rd

How many residents who claim to be pro-business will patronize it?

Opening day is this coming Wednesday.

Sunday morning visitors at the Buddhist church on 2nd

 Looks like 13 birds in the bush. That would be equal to six and a half in the hand.

 A black vulture was hanging around again at 123 North 5th Street on Sunday morning.

 His accomplice was trapped inside, trying to get out.

 A Columbia Borough police officer responded to the situation.

This notice is on the front door of the house.

 Message on the shingles at a different house

 Overhead chopper

 Drifting away

 Vehicles for sale at K.T. Graham at 137 South Front Street

(Here and below)

The old Shawnee Fire Company building was sold recently.

Iron Bell Holdings is the new owner.
The deed information is HERE.

There’s work to be done.

https://www.columbiabsd.com/article/185855?org=park-elementary