Day: December 16, 2016

Gale Loudly Objects To 2nd Consecutive Montco Tax Hike — Montgomery County, yesterday, Dec.15,  approved a budget calling for an 11 percent tax hike over the strong objections of Commissioner Joe Gale who is the mandated minority Republican.

The hit to the citizens was even greater than last year’s 9.87 percent tax hike.

Yes, the budget includes a new tax category dedicated to fund Montgomery County Community College.

Montco will spend $409 million in 2017 which is $18 million more than this year. The average home owner will pay $66 more.

Chairwoman Valerie Arkoosh called Gale “irresponsible” for daring to object to the budget, while Commissioner Josh Shapiro — who will be Pennsylvania’s next attorney general — said failing to pass the hefty tax increase would require the county to cut (county) jobs, funding for the community college and reduce pension payments.

Gale responded by outlining $7 million in cuts that would eliminate few jobs, keep spending to this year’s level and eliminate some contracts with favored consultants leaving the majority red-faced.

They passed the budget anyway, however.

The people of Montco are not stupid. Someone in government that is not a quiet lapdog but loudly warning the people of what is being taken from them could actually cause a change in power.

That would be nice.

Gale Loudly Objects To 2nd Consecutive Montco Tax Hike