Columbia mayor vetoes stay-the-same tax rate for 2015

By -
Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz

Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz has vetoed the borough’s approved 2015 tax rate, which remains at 8 mills.

On Dec. 22, borough council unanimously approved the 2015 budget along with an ordinance to keep the tax rate the same as in 2014.

Lutz's action means that council will have to vote to override the veto in order to secure the tax rate and set the budget.

Council President Mike Beury expressed surprise when called for comment. Lutz had not, apparently, officially informed council of the veto.

"Unless they override my veto or change the tax millage to something I would agree to, they will have no money for the budget," Lutz said.
Council President Mike Beury expressed surprise when called today for comment.  Lutz had not, apparently, officially informed council of the veto.

Beury is confident the tax rate and budget will pass as proposed, despite Lutz’s veto.

“He's gonna lose,” Beury said. “Everybody voted for it the first place. They will vote for it again.
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Comments

Anonymous said…
VETO LUTZ!
December 31, 2014 at 8:05 AM
Anonymous said…
We already have a millage rate over double any of our surrounding communities. The value of all properties in this town are in the toilet because of how high our taxes are & our mayors answer is to raise them higher. Well this will just put this town closer to state recievership.
December 31, 2014 at 8:08 AM
Joe Lintner said…
Unfortunately, the article doesn't state the date of Lutz's letter. Regardless, if council plans to vote to override on January 12, it will already be past the 10-day limit. What then? No budget? A shutdown? This was a sneaky power play by the mayor. When was he planning to inform council of his veto? Did he inform LNP, or was the information relayed there by members of council? There are a lot of unanswered questions.
December 31, 2014 at 9:20 AM
Anonymous said…
Council vote for the old budget
December 31, 2014 at 9:43 AM
Anonymous said…
I love how the mayor is looking out for the citizens of Columbia. It is very selfish to veto the budget and ask for a tax increase to buy a new police cruiser. How many cruiser do we have now? If we were to get a new cruiser would you actually see police out on patrol? Hard pressed to see police presence now. The citizens can't afford another tac increase. Way to go mayor, you don't have my vote at the next election and I hope you would not have many votes after pulling a stunt like this.
December 31, 2014 at 10:20 AM
Anonymous said…
Where is the paper work on the police cars at when they get them fixed up!!
December 31, 2014 at 1:21 PM
Anonymous said…
Shady deals are going on in this town! No receipts for work done on police cars. Someone has their hands in the tax payers cookie jar!!!
January 1, 2015 at 12:39 AM
Anonymous said…
To bad more people don't have anything to say about what the mayor is trying to do to the people of this town.
January 1, 2015 at 9:14 AM
Anonymous said…
What is he trying to do?
January 1, 2015 at 10:35 AM
Anonymous said…
Raise taxes
January 1, 2015 at 5:00 PM
Anonymous said…
I say bring in the state police and cut our taxes in half! Now that's a win-win!
January 1, 2015 at 8:41 PM
Anonymous said…
It would have been different if the mayor came to this meeting "prepared". Having at least copies of repair costs for the vehicle that he claims is costing too much money to keep it operating. He had nothing to show in order to back up his claim. He went on his word alone, stating that there was a repair bill for a water pump and another for inspection. Inspection does not count, all vehicles need inspected. If, in order to pass inspection they need tires or brakes, those are expected periodically to maintain the vehicles. His request was done in a very unprofessional manner, as was his veto.
January 1, 2015 at 9:30 PM
Anonymous said…
who in the he-- does the Mayor think he is???? Where does he get off thinking HE is the ruler. NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO vehicle.
January 2, 2015 at 6:59 AM
Anonymous said…
I agree
January 2, 2015 at 9:07 AM
Anonymous said…
So there are limited records for vehicles that are Borough owned and operated? Makes you wonder what other records don't exist, doesn't it?

Does the Mayor have his own agenda?

Will we ever know the food inspection records for Columbia?

Why didn't we know THE event cancelled?

Will we ever know more about the Market House situation?

Will there ever charge the driver who plowed over a much beloved Columbia figure?

Who monitors all the cameras around town?


Why are the citizenry the last to know?
January 2, 2015 at 9:52 AM
Anonymous said…
the Mayor has also overstayed his welcome. time for him to GO..............
January 2, 2015 at 2:29 PM
Anonymous said…
exactly. there are NO answers for these important questions. the residents MUST come together and insist on ACCOUNTABILITY.
yep. going with the state police would save this boro MILLIONS PER YEAR. regardless, Mayor HAS to go. he's ignorant, self centered and cares NOTHING about the hardworking taxpaying homeowners of this boro.
DO something about ALL the hundreds of rental properties that are NOT up to code.
January 3, 2015 at 11:57 AM
Anonymous said…
wow. i can NOT believe what i'm reading. this is luacris. i agree he has GOT to go & sadly take the chief with him. all the residents of this boro was praying and hoping for positive change. great leadership. setting an example. being more visible, more hands on with all people...a change like the Pope has had on people, on the world! . i'm heartsick that it will not happen here. we think the mayor has TOO much control. but don't understand why. his duty is to OVERSEE the police dept NOT RUN IT AND NOT RUN THE BORO. it's a sad day.Columbia Boro is on it's way to its' own funeral. ALL Mgmt, Council, & ignorant people JUST DON'T GET IT.
January 3, 2015 at 12:44 PM
Anonymous said…
He gets 10% kickback for the police car!!!
January 3, 2015 at 9:44 PM
Anonymous said…
lots of truths in post from 1-3-15 @ 12:44 pm.......it truly is a sad day in this small boro. where great leadership could mean so much. it's like a kick in the teeth.
January 4, 2015 at 7:49 AM
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