November News from Hatfield

At their November 3 meeting, the Commissioners and Police Chief Mark Toomey thanked and recognized Lt. William Tierney for 25 years of service to the community. Many fellow officers attended the meeting to show their appreciation.

During his tenure, Lt. Tierney has risen through the ranks holding every uniform position available. Most recently, Lt. Tierney personally oversaw the renovation of the 30-year-old police station. In 2009, he graduated from the FBI National Academy Executive Training Program in Quantico, Va.

Pictured: Commissioner President Scott Brown, far left, Chief Toomey, far right, and Lt. Tierney with his wife and 3 of his 4 children.

Board Considers Tax Restructuring Alternatives

The Board of Commissioners is currently reviewing the 2011 Proposed Budget that will allow Hatfield Township to maintain the same level of service to residents.

Building on changes made in the 2010 Budget, the 2011 Budget looks to restructure revenue sources in a way that fairly distributes taxes and fees among residents and businesses. The prior tax structure relied heavily on new development in the community, which has dramatically slowed over the past few years.

Residents are invited to review budget documents and presentations are available on our website under
Public Information > Budget.

Briefly, the tax restructuring options under consideration are as follows. Please refer to the Budget section of the website for additional details.

Real Estate Tax - Add Debt Service Millage

$55,000 Homestead Exemption remains in place
A new Debt Service millage of 0.555 bringing the millage to 3.185
The median assessed value home would have taxes increased by $58.43
Estimated total revenue from Real Estate Tax: $2,883,000

Business Privilege Flat Tax Exemption Options

A new flat tax is levied on businesses with gross receipts exceeding a defined threshold, i.e. 'ability to pay'. The Commissioners are weighing options that include gross receipts exceeding $750,000 or $1,000,000, with estimated Flat Taxes of $4,100 and $5,400 respectively.

Estimated revenue from Business Privilege Tax: $980,000

Ages 8 thru adult
Bucks County Academy of Fencing-West
1713 Bethlehem Pike
(Rt. 309)

Choose Mondays or Wednesdays,
Nov. 29 to Dec. 29
Ages 8 to 11:
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Ages 12 & up:
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Fee: $160

This program introduces beginners to the sport during five, consecutive, once weekly experiences. The course fee includes all required equipment except a $20 fencing glove, which participants purchase at the first class.

Recycling Efforts Earn Waste Watcher's Award

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) recently awarded the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Commission with the prestigious Waste Watcher's Award for 2010. Hatfield Township is one of 11 member communities in the Northern Montgomery County Recycling Commission.

The Recycling Commission earned the award for going above and beyond what is mandated under the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act for their eleven member communities and programs.

Hatfield Township is proud to be part of the collaborative efforts of the Recycling Commission. Read more about recycling in Hatfield.

Colmar Fire Company Annual Fund Drive

The Colmar Fire Company has served Hatfield Township for nearly 70 years, relying on the support of volunteer firefighters and donations from township residents. Their annual fund drive is going on right now. In addition, they are collecting vital information, such as if there are handicapped individuals who may need additional help in an emergency. Download the fund drive form to donate and update your emergency information.

The next Board of Commissioners meetings will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
Nov. 17, Dec. 1, and 15. Download an agenda.

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