Inside Somerset

By: Benedict G. Vinzani Jr., Ph.D.
      Borough Manager

December 2011

1.  SOMERSET BOROUGH’S 2012 BUDGETS

Borough Council adopted 2012 Tentative Budgets that do not increase real estate taxes or water / sewer rates.  Real Estate Taxes remain at 14.90 mills, water rates remain at 64 cents per hundred gallons of water used, and sewer rates remain at 90 cents per hundred gallons of water used. Real Estate taxes are based on the assessed valuation established by the County of Somerset for each taxable property within the Borough. This tax generates approximately 57% of our General Fund revenues.  Because of numerous properties receiving reduced assessed valuations, the Borough expects to collect $25,000 less in real estate taxes for the year 2012. This decrease in revenue is the equivalent of ¼ of a mill in taxes. Despite this loss of revenue, Borough Council was able to adopt a budget with no tax increase.   

2. CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING PROGRAM  

As part of Somerset Borough’s recycling program, we will be offering a Christmas Tree curbside pick-up service for Borough residents.  Collection dates will be January 6th and 13th.  This is a free service.  The trees will be chipped and the organic matter will be taken to the Borough’s compost site.  Please make sure trees are free of ornaments, garland, tinsel, lights or tree stands. Also, please remove any plastic bags from around the tree.  Residents desiring to participate in our program should first contact the Borough Office at 443-2661 to be placed on the “pick-up list”. Please join us in doing our part to conserve resources and help the environment.

3.  TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WATER METERWater Meter

During the winter months, we ask that you take special care to protect your water meter from freezing.

This will not only help us by not having to send an employee to repair the frozen meter, but it is beneficial to you because you, as the  owner/tenant of the property, are responsible for paying for the frozen water meter and for the labor for repairing or replacing it.

Here are some tips on preventing damage caused by frozen meters – locate the meter in a place that is heated and out of the wind and weather (like a basement or crawl space).  If the meter or water lines are not in a properly heated area, wrap your meter and water lines with insulation and/or heat tapes (available at your local hardware store). In extreme cases of cold, let one of your facets run very slowly.  A slight increase in your water bill may be better than the costly task of replacing a frozen meter, water pipes, or damage to your property.

4. SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS

Ordinance number 1146 requires all owners or occupants of property as tenants, fronting on any of the streets within the Borough of Somerset to keep the sidewalks in front of, or along said properties clear and free of snow and ice.  This is to help insure that pedestrians pass safely over the sidewalks.  The Police Department enforces this ordinance, which carries a fine of up to $300. 

5.  RECENT COUNCIL ACTIONS

  • Council acted to prohibit signs from being placed in the tree planters located on the four quadrants of the “Uptown Diamond”.    
  • Ratified a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the AFSCME union.
  • Appointed Friedline Pipon & Company to audit the Borough’s 2011 accounts.  
  • Appointed Greg Osikowicz to the Somerset Borough Zoning Hearing Board after accepting the resignation of Art DiLoreto.
  • Appointed Ted Deskevich to the Somerset Borough Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term of Dan Gehman.
  • Awarded bids to Hinkle Plumbing and Darr Electric for the installation of a new heating system for the Borough’s Public Works Garage.
  • Amended Rules and Regulations of the Somerset Borough Civil Service Commission.  The previous Rules and Regulations did not include language addressing the position of sergeant.  The amended policy now includes this position.

6.  WATER SHUTOFFS FOR WINTER VACATIONERS

Water customers who wish to have their water service shut off for the winter should notify our water office two weeks prior to the day of the requested shutoff.  This allows sufficient time to locate and reset the shutoff valve at the curb.  This step is necessary to determine if the valve is functioning properly.  A malfunctioning shut-off valve could cause internal plumbing damage if not taken care of before cold weather arrives.

The Borough has a fact sheet available that outlines the guidelines for disconnecting water/sewer services during extended periods of absence.  Please call 443-2661 if you would like a copy, or stop in and pick up one while you are paying your water bill.

7. WINTER SNOW PLOWING POLICY Snow Removal

Due to the high costs of removing snow, it is important for the Borough to use its resources wisely and with cooperation from its residents to minimize the cost.  Somerset Borough has adopted a Snow Removal Policy and as we enter another winter season, we remind property owners, tenants and contracted snow removers of the following:

  • It is unlawful to plow, deposit or blow snow into the streets.
  • We understand the inconvenience this presents, however, the Borough does not remove "wind rows" of snow from driveway entrances.
  • It would help our snow removal efforts if residents would remove vehicles from the roadway prior to a major snow/ice storm, and use available off-street parking.
  • A complete copy of Somerset Borough’s Snow Policy is available at the Municipal Building or by accessing our web site at www.somersetborough.com. You may also phone the Borough office at 443-2661, extension 400 and listen to the major features of our policy.

8. NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR EARNED INCOME TAX – ACT 32 OF 2008

Act 32 of 2008 is a Pennsylvania law that was passed with the intention of simplifying the way local Earned Income Tax (EIT) is paid and collected throughout the state. The law affects taxpayers, employers, municipalities, school districts, and tax collectors across Pennsylvania.

The most significant change of Act 32 is the consolidation of local EIT collectors. Act 32 requires all taxing jurisdictions within a specified geographical boundary to jointly select just one EIT collector to serve the entire area. Each of the areas is called a "Tax Collection District" (TCD). Somerset Borough is part of the Somerset County TCD, which includes all Somerset County municipalities and school districts.

Although Act 32 was passed in 2008, the major changes will not go into effect until the 2012 tax year for Somerset Borough. Therefore, all Somerset Borough taxes attributable to 2011 earnings will still be collected under the current system (including the 2011 final returns that are due April 15, 2012).

The consolidation means that all Somerset Borough Earned Income Tax (EIT) will once again be collected by a single tax collector. Capital Tax Collection Bureau has been appointed as the tax collector for the Somerset County TCD.  Therefore, both the municipal portion and the school district portion of Somerset Borough’s EIT will be collected by Capital Tax Collection Bureau under Act 32.