The time has come to consider a final decision on LASA. It's not an exaggeration to say that the future solvency of the borough may be at stake. Simply put, the ad hoc committee's final report recommends selling Columbia Borough's sewer system assets to the Lancaster Area Sewer Authority (LASA). I hope the council will abide by the findings of the report - which it commissioned - and vote for the sale. I hope any council person voting against it will explain why, publicly. I don't understand why the council would commission a report only to ignore it (if that, in fact, proves to be the case). Doing so would be a waste of taxpayers' money.
I won't rehash all the facts and figures here. That information is contained in the final report, which I posted previously HERE.
I won't rehash all the facts and figures here. That information is contained in the final report, which I posted previously HERE.
In regard to rates, we are competing with LASA, which comprises seven other surrounding municipalities. This is a competition we cannot win and which may pull us under financially.
The borough's debt, the empty storefronts, the property taxes that continue to go up and up and up are evidence enough of the need to regionalize and share costs. Selling to LASA could be the beginning of that process. Columbia can't continue to bind itself to yesterday's ideas in the foolish and outdated belief that we are self-sufficient. Let's face it: it's not the same town it was even 50 years ago.
The borough's debt, the empty storefronts, the property taxes that continue to go up and up and up are evidence enough of the need to regionalize and share costs. Selling to LASA could be the beginning of that process. Columbia can't continue to bind itself to yesterday's ideas in the foolish and outdated belief that we are self-sufficient. Let's face it: it's not the same town it was even 50 years ago.
Regionalizing does not mean losing our identity. We're talking about selling a sewer plant. That's all. We'll still have our rich history. Nothing can take that away.
We should cherish our history but look to the future. We are now at a crossroads, and the outcome of this decision will affect generations to come. Let's affect them positively. Let this be the point where we turned things around for Columbia.
We should cherish our history but look to the future. We are now at a crossroads, and the outcome of this decision will affect generations to come. Let's affect them positively. Let this be the point where we turned things around for Columbia.
With all that in mind, I, a lifelong Columbia resident, respectfully ask council to do the right thing. Look to the future. Sell the plant.
(Citizens can make their voices heard at the Municipal Authority meeting this coming Thursday, June 19 at 4:30 p.m., when a vote by the Authority on the LASA sale is expected to take place.
Citizens may also speak at the Committee of the Whole meeting this coming Monday, June 23 at 6 p.m., when a vote might take place.
Both meetings will be held at the Borough Office, 308 Locust Street.)
(Citizens can make their voices heard at the Municipal Authority meeting this coming Thursday, June 19 at 4:30 p.m., when a vote by the Authority on the LASA sale is expected to take place.
Citizens may also speak at the Committee of the Whole meeting this coming Monday, June 23 at 6 p.m., when a vote might take place.
Both meetings will be held at the Borough Office, 308 Locust Street.)
Agree completly that the plant needs to be sold. Only hope the ones in charge can see it also.
ReplyDeleteSpeak out against the will of powers in charge of this town and they find ways to strike back at you. It seems most in office are corrupt and everything they do has something in it for themselves.
Your NUTZZZ!!
ReplyDeleteThat would be you are or you're, not your.
ReplyDeleteVery good analogy. Just hope our council does what's best for the future of this borough. Lets not make a mistake like the town of Lemoyne made & try & keep our plant. Ill bet they wish they didn't make that decision now. I know they're customers sure wish they hadn't.
ReplyDeleteThat remark is the irrational, old school way of viewing current decisions being made within this borough. Dismiss the facts and deny reality. The taxpayers of this borough can no longer afford to pay everyone's salary. It is simply too expensive to live here. Considering the tax rate, Columbia should be a gated community.
ReplyDeleteI would save $180.00 a year with LASA. I already have a payroll deduction of approximately $38.00 a month just because I live in this borough. This tax is on top of my spring, fall, and per capita taxes. The residents need a break somewhere. This is like buying a condo and paying the fee with little to no say in decisions. Actually I own my property, no mortgage, but I am in reality "renting" it from Columbia Borough. It's time for common sense. Sell the sewer plant, take the money and run. Maybe that money can help with the furnishings of the new river park building.
ReplyDeleteThe comment: " your nutzzz" is spoken by the narrow minded...when they no longer have an argument they resort to name calling. Whatever position you are taking, one can remain civil and refrain from name calling.
ReplyDeleteThis is the mentality of some now on our council, & some who used to be on council. This decision would be easy for someone who has business sense. Unfortunately some have gotten elected to council who have failed financially in their private lives, so going with the decision to pick LASA is a tough one for them.
ReplyDeleteI feel that some on council would miss use the $8.6 million that Columbia would obtain from the sale of the waster waster plant. Some already have it spent on their own personal agenda items. Either way, to sell or not to sell, Columbia will still be in the same financial state it is now unless council memebers look at the bigger picture.
ReplyDeleteyep. misuse the 3.8 mil left over AFTER the 5 mil debt is paid.
ReplyDeletethe problem is it's hard to educate ignorant people.
sorry...but what SHOULD have happened was as follows:
1. CONSOLLDATE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
2. TAX EVERY RENTER 18 YEARS - 60 YEARS OLD TO PAY FOR THEIR KIDS SCHOOLING (our elderly should NOT have to pay..they need the money to pay for thier medications, they have done thier part...doctors STOP signing every tom dick and harry up for disability....WHAT A SIN. LAZY IGNORANT THINK WE ALL OWE YOU SOMETHING.....
GET A J O B....stop MAKING A LIVING OFF WELFARE AND FOOD STAMPS AND MEDICAL INSURANCE. WORK FOR A LIVING LIKE WE DO.
3. INCREASE THE LOCAL 6% TAX SO THAT ALL PAY THEIR SHARE AND NOT ONLY THE FEW (working, taxpaying homeowners!) how hard is it???
4.NO ONE IN OFFICE. LOCAL OR STATE SHOULD HOLD ANY POSITION FOR MORE THAN 4 YEARS AND THEN NO...WE WILL NOT PAY FOR YOUR AND YOU & YOUR FAMILYS INSURANCE AND ALL THE PERKS, pay for it yourself like we have to....pay for your own gas too.
and May God Bless Us...we need him in our lives! Put GOD back in our schools, etc.
I love the post with what should have happened!!!!
ReplyDeleteEspecially ... get a J O B...and STOP making a living out of collecting handouts. The government MUST stop allowing such misuse and abuse of welfare system...people get off your lazy ass and go get a job......and also the social security system...all these immigrants did NOT live here, work here or even contribute anything...yet they are collecting OUR money and MORE benefits than we get AND we work FULL TIME.