Borough officials consider switching to home rule to manage stormwater fees
March 23, 2025 | Franklin Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
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The Franklin Park Borough Council meeting held on March 19, 2025, focused on several pressing issues, particularly concerning stormwater management and the potential shift to a home rule charter.
A significant portion of the discussion centered around the financial implications of stormwater management, specifically the costs associated with maintaining and replacing infrastructure such as pipes and catch basins. Council members expressed concerns about the borough's financial burden when state roads fail, noting that the borough is often responsible for repairs that should fall under the jurisdiction of PennDOT. This has resulted in costs that could reach tens of thousands of dollars, prompting the council to consider strategies to shift some of these responsibilities back to the state.
The conversation also touched on the possibility of implementing a stormwater fee, which could provide an additional revenue stream for the borough. However, legal limitations regarding the assessment of such fees on tax-exempt entities were highlighted, complicating the potential benefits of this approach. The council acknowledged that while some municipalities successfully charge stormwater fees, recent court rulings have raised questions about the legality of applying these fees to certain properties.
Additionally, the council discussed the implications of transitioning to a home rule charter, which could offer more flexibility in governance and revenue generation. However, members recognized that this shift would require voter approval and could involve significant legal and administrative costs. The council is considering gathering more information and estimates to present to the community, addressing concerns about the financial impact of such a change.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the borough's ongoing challenges with stormwater management and the need for a strategic approach to address financial burdens. The council plans to continue exploring options, including potential changes to governance structures, while keeping the community informed about the implications of these decisions.
A significant portion of the discussion centered around the financial implications of stormwater management, specifically the costs associated with maintaining and replacing infrastructure such as pipes and catch basins. Council members expressed concerns about the borough's financial burden when state roads fail, noting that the borough is often responsible for repairs that should fall under the jurisdiction of PennDOT. This has resulted in costs that could reach tens of thousands of dollars, prompting the council to consider strategies to shift some of these responsibilities back to the state.
The conversation also touched on the possibility of implementing a stormwater fee, which could provide an additional revenue stream for the borough. However, legal limitations regarding the assessment of such fees on tax-exempt entities were highlighted, complicating the potential benefits of this approach. The council acknowledged that while some municipalities successfully charge stormwater fees, recent court rulings have raised questions about the legality of applying these fees to certain properties.
Additionally, the council discussed the implications of transitioning to a home rule charter, which could offer more flexibility in governance and revenue generation. However, members recognized that this shift would require voter approval and could involve significant legal and administrative costs. The council is considering gathering more information and estimates to present to the community, addressing concerns about the financial impact of such a change.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the borough's ongoing challenges with stormwater management and the need for a strategic approach to address financial burdens. The council plans to continue exploring options, including potential changes to governance structures, while keeping the community informed about the implications of these decisions.
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