THe Easttown Township Supervisors meeting to consider Earned Income Tax held October 19th at Beaumont School across from the township building the discussion was all about the budget and the proposal from the Supervisors to consider implementing an Earned Income Tax or other taxes, such as an amusement tax, per capita tax, and several other options.

There was some confusion among residents as this was the second of several meetings on the budget discussing the hole in the budget that needs to be filled, either through cuts or increased revenue. At the previous meeting the discussion was on the expenses side and this meeting was to deal with revenue options. However it quickly becasme clear from residents comments they felt the Board of Supervisors needed to consider cuts to the budget before considering increased revenue streams.

Whilst it was a pretty vocal meeting with a lot of passion, the board of Supervisors did vote to continue to keep all their options open for increasing revenue. As was explained by Mr Rau the Township Attorney, legal issues require them to begin advertising these possible tax increases to be able to implement them for the next fiscal year, as the state needs to be notified so employers are aware that they need to collect these taxes on behalf of the township.

The next meeting will be held November 2nd advertised last night to be at Hilltop House, although this may need to moved to accomodate the numbers of people who will turn up. This meeting will combine the proposed expenses and the proposed revenue to agree upon a way forward.

One of the parties to speak last night was a residents advisory group who have been and will continue to meet with the township employees to see where savings can be made as opposed to increasing revenue. So save the date November 2nd 8.00 PM Easttown Township Supervisors Meeting at Hilltop House, Berwyn.