Author: SPY

Former Columbia Borough Manager Norm Meiskey is urging borough council to repeal its recently created Revolving Loan Fund and municipal tax hike, in order to avoid a lengthy and costly court battle at taxpayers’ expense. The letter, which was submitted to council members last night, references a previous letter to Council from the law firm of Stock and Leader challenging the legality of the fund and its accompanying tax increase. Meiskey’s letter also accuses Council of overspending and questions the justification for the tax hike.

Columbia Borough code fees have gone up – drastically. According to council’s newly released 2019 fee schedule, the borough’s condemnation fee is now $750, a 275% jump from 2018’s fee of $200. 

The cost to appeal any decision of a code enforcement officer or police officer is now $250, up from $100 in 2018. In addition, the zoning hearing fee is now $700, as compared to last year’s $600. Other fees have seen similar increases, while some have increased marginally or have held steady.

The complete 2019 fee schedule can be found HERE.

The 2018 fee schedule is HERE.