COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township commissioners tabled a proposed amendment to the amusement tax ordinance that would implement a five percent tax on revenue at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) at Thursday's meeting.
The decision, made unanimously, was reached after a lengthy discussion during commissioners' work session Tuesday that weighed the potential revenue of the tax against future donations made by the AOAA.
AOAA authority chairman Jim Backes said Monday that if the tax was implemented, the AOAA would cease giving donations. The AOAA has donated $4,700 to Coal Township this year.
Commissioners were unsure Tuesday if the AOAA would be willing to enter into a commitment to donate and, if so, how much. Questions also remained on how much revenue the tax would bring in, especially if other municipalities passed similar taxes that could cut into Coal Township's share.
"We're tabling it to talk to people and do it the right way," said Chairman Craig Fetterman.
State law requires an ordinance to be advertised between seven and 60 days of passage. While commissioners did not set a date for the next vote, the ordinance would have to pass during the January meeting or it would need to be advertised again.
During Tuesday's work session, commissioners had also proposed numerous changes to the ordinance. If the changes made to it are major - such as altering the percentage of the tax - the ordinance will have to be advertised again regardless of the date it is approved, said Township Manager Rob Slaby.
In other business:
- Residents are reminded to use brown recyclable leaf bags as they are the only type of leaf bag that will be picked up. These bags can be purchased at any hardware store.
- A bid by Lenig & Kosmer purchasing the township's Michigan loader for $3,2000 was accepted.
- An amendment to the traffic signal code incorporating additional no parking signs, was approved.
- Bids by Miller Gas & Oil to supply heating oil at 15.4 cents per gallon over cost on the day of delivery and diesel fuel at 18.5 cents per gallon over cost on the day of delivery were accepted.
- Commissioners accepted the resignation of Patrolman Matthew Henrich from the Coal Township Police Department, retroactive to Nov. 30.
"He was a good cop," said Commissioner Bernie Rumberger. "I'm sorry to see him go."