Williamsburg Borough Tax to Increase by $16.80 for $100,000 Property

A 0.168 millage increase is coming to borough property owners in 2020.

This increase was discussed during the Nov. 19 recessed meeting of the Williamsburg Borough. For an example, the estimated tax increase on a property assessed at $100,000 would be $16.80.

Borough councilmembers said that the reason to increase the tax millage was to pay debt incurred on a loan for the proposed S.R. 866 project which never occurred.

Councilmember Bruce Hamilton made a motion to advertise the millage increase with Councilman Ed Patterson seconding and the motion passed.

Dave McFarland of the Blair County Planning Commission was present to discuss a grant resolution from the Pa. DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources).

McFarland said that DCNR wants a formal agreement signed with the borough to move forward with grant to fund a comprehensive plan project.

McFarland said the formal agreement was 32 pages long and urged the borough to send it to Solicitor Nathan Karn before signing it.

Councilmember Hamilton made a motion to instruct the solicitor to check the agreement before the borough signs it, with Councilmember Jim Foreso seconding. The motion passed.

Mayor Ted Hyle presented an example of a sign that will be placed at each entrance of a home that has a “dangerous or venomous” animal residing there. Owners of said animals will have to pay $20 per sign for each entrance of home.

Hyle explained that these signs are “in the ordinance” and that the signs protect law enforcement, fire department personnel or EMS personnel who are entering a residence in case of an emergency.

Councilmember Matthew Sabol made a motion to charge the fee for signage to property owners required to post one. Councilmember Foreso seconded and the motion passed.