TodayMASD tax collectors get raises
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Article RatingThe Mechanicsburg Area School Board Tuesday increased the compensation for its three tax collectors effective July 1.
Marlin A. Yohn Sr., Barry Heckard and Judy C. Prowell will be paid a base rate of $3,500 plus $2.60 per bill during the 2007-08 school year, followed by a base rate of $2,750 plus $2.60 per bill through the first semester of the 2008-09 school year.
This is an increase from the current rate of $2,500 plus $2.60 per bill.
The tax collectors asked for an increase in compensation in a June 21 letter to Alan Vandrew, chief fiscal officer for Mechanicsburg Area School District.
They say it is necessary and a fair amount given the extra time, effort, mailing and processing of real estate tax bills under a new payment option the school board recently approved under state Act 1.
Act 1 gives taxpayers the option of paying their taxes on installments if they qualified for property tax relief under the Homestead Act.
Vandrew said the three tax collectors can anticipate extra work to implement the billing change and can expect to be inundated with calls from taxpayers, especially in the first year the new option is in effect.
Vandrew added the three tax collectors took a “financial hit” when the Mechanicsburg school board decided to discontinue levying the per capita tax.
The board was required under law to adjust the tax collector salary now, but it has the option to make further adjustments before the 2009 general election, when all three tax collector seats are up again, Vandrew said.
He added the change in billing method should have a minimal impact on cash flow to the district. Vandrew noted the district will be charged for only one bill under the new billing option, which will include separate payment slips for each installment.
