Scott Twp. approves 54-percent property tax hike
Written by KDKA-TV Anchor/Reporter Megan Shinn
SCOTT TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - Scott Twp. commissioners approved the 2024 budget and a tax levy increase, late Tuesday night. The budget proposal shows an overall increase of $2.8 million to real estate taxes.
During the meeting Scott Twp. commissioners voted to approve a property tax increase of 54-percent. It's a big change that's expected to take a chunk of money out of resident's wallets, next year. The township is home to more than 16,000. Many of whom own property that's set to face a significant property tax increase.
Those property taxes now cost $517 per $100,000 taxable property value, but come the first of the year, that will jump to $797.
Thomas A. Grove is one business owner we spoke with told KDKA-TV he sees this decision, as cloud hanging over the townships' heads.
"All they're going to do is hurt other people. It's all that there really is to it," Grove said.
"A lot of them (his customers) live in Scott township so as a result, it's going to have an effect on them. I have a lot of elderly customers, I have middle aged, and I have youngsters. But when it really comes down to it, anybody who puts this kind of burden on anybody really does need to think about it a little bit."
"I live here, probably 8-9 years now. And it's really high. So, to increase it 50-percent that's extremely too high," said Larone Knight, who lives in Scott Twp.
He also owns Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant. Knight said he's got to budget for the property tax increase, in 2024.
"It's a very nice place to live, quiet, not much crime. So, it's a very nice place to live. Instead of the tax go up, it should go down," said Larone.
The township board blames the increase on huge waste management costs.
"We had four meetings between the middle of October and the middle of November, all advertised. We also had a budget meeting the night after a garbage meeting, which people showed up, and when it came time to discuss the budget, which is how we're going to pay for the garbage bill – everybody left – nobody stayed. We've been very open on the budget."
Residents said commissioners who supported the change shouldn't count on their vote. The next board meeting is set for Jan. 2. It's a reorganization meeting at the Scott Township municipal building and on zoom, at 6pm.
