In a brief meeting Dec. 30, 2019, Moore Township Board of Supervisors, in a split vote, adopted the 2020 tax levy. They also approved the 2020 budget. Both votes were 2-1, with Supervisor Richard K. Gable casting the no vote. Gable interjected after the vote, saying the tax hike is 2 mills, which takes the total millage to 6 mills.

The hike translates to an increase of $112 for the median assessed property.

During the public comment time of the meeting, resident Peter Locke said, “I sympathize with the situation you guys are in. The only revenue source is the real estate tax.

“I have a couple things. Did we look at the fees we charge people and compare them with other municipalities? It seems we are not recovering the costs of services with the fees we charge. Even the per capita tax is only $5,” he said.

Gable noted the per capita tax “was $10 years ago, but it was reduced. I would favor it returning to $10.”

Chairman Daniel Piorkowski added, “If people don’t pay the per capita tax, it costs us more to find them and collect it.”

Solicitor David Backenstoe commented on fees.

“The township cannot charge more than a fee service costs. The township cannot make money off of fees, according to the state,” he said.

Resident Chris Jones publicly thanked the supervisors for adding money for Northampton Area Public Library. Township Manager Nicholas C. Steiner said there is $1,000 in the budget for the library.