By Chris Barber
Contributing Writer

The Penn Township supervisors approved an increase of one-quarter of one-percent to the township’s earned-income tax at its Nov. 19 township meeting.

In previous meetings, the supervisors discussed the needs expressed by the fire company and Medic 94 for more support because of the rising costs that those important organizations face.

One example they quoted from the West Grove Fire Company was that, in earlier years, a well turned-out fire truck could be bought for about $500,000. Now it costs more than $1 million.

In addition to the material fees, they considered the need for around-the-clock professional staffing and the need to pay these professionals for the safety of the township residents.

The increase the supervisors approved will raise the fee on an annual income from half of one-percent to three quarters of one-percent. In financial terms, for example, a person who earns $50,000 a year would pay $375 next year. The current bill in 2024 for that same income would be $250.

The residents also pay a property tax to the township at the rate of .53 mills. A mill is a tax rate of $1 for every $1000 worth of property value they own.

In a written statement, the Chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, Victor Mantegna, said, “..(T)his modest increase to the earned-income tax will allow us to maintain our facilities and services while providing for our emergency partners, and taking care not to impose a tax increase on our fixed income residents.”

Supervisor Jay Ennis reported that repairs and updates to the Red Rose Inn had been completed, including a broken window on the second floor.

The Red Rose Inn will hold its last open house of 2024 on Dec. 8 from noon to 2 p.m.

Also on that day, the township invites folks to “Winter Wonderland in Penn Township Park.”

This holiday event will feature music, beer and wine for sale, cupcakes, pictures with Santa (3:30-5:30 p.m.), a magician (2:15 p.m.) and Grumpy Grinch (4:30 to 6 p.m.).