Township collects less than $100,000 annually
In response to the article on Act 13 that appeared in the Dec. 13 Observer-Reporter that mentioned West Bethlehem Township, I can confirm as the township’s tax collector that $100,000 is not the amount that is collected annually. It is less than that due to properties that are abandoned or have tax liens on them.
Also, taxpayers should realize there has not been a tax increase in decades, while the cost of maintaining roads has increased annually.
It is a little ironic that the Marianna Outdoorsmen Association can spend $150,000 on a handicapped ramp that is too steep for the handicapped at an entrance to Ten Mile Creek, but certain residents in West Bethlehem Township can question where money is being spent on 42 miles of roads.
As for blighted structures in the township, property owners have been taken to the magistrate and cited. The township has no right, and cannot afford, to tear down houses on private property.
Betty Girdish
Marianna
Girdish is the tax collector for West Bethlehem Township.