Council takes stand against tax legislation

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- City council has taken a stand against pending legislation that would shift property tax collection responsibilities from the county treasurer to the county's 26 municipal tax collectors.
At a public meeting Thursday, council passed a resolution opposing the bill. Council members have said their intention is to let state officials know the city opposes the bill, which was introduced earlier this year by Democratic state Rep. Frank LaGrotta of Ellwood City.
Last month council agreed the legislation would have a negative impact by costing the city more in manpower and supplies, among other expenses associated with tax collection. Council agreed to forward its opposition to the bill to state senators Gerald LaValle and Bob Robbins, who each represent parts of Lawrence County.
The state House has passed the bill, but it now sits before the Senate Local Government Committee. The Senate is expected to vote on it this fall.