Philipsburg discusses community and economic development

PHILIPSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Pa.’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) came to Philipsburg to hear the needs of the community and offer potential solutions — one of which being to raise taxes.

There were several topics brought up, including blight, affordable housing, improvements to the borough building and the lack of a local police force. The main issue has been finding a way to pay for such improvements, something that the DCED suggested that raising taxes may mitigate.

“I know that everyone talks about 20 years not raising taxes as being a good thing,” Kelly Robertson, executive director for the Governor’s Office for Local Government Services, said. “It’s not.”

While raising taxes could raise more money for the borough to work with, some council members feared that residents would not be able to afford an increased tax rate. However, due to the lack of funding, sacrifices in other areas have been made. Notably, Philipsburg relies on the state police force instead of having a local one of its own.

Once again, the DCED offered solutions for the borough’s problems. They suggested that Philipsburg enroll in the DCED’s Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP) which could help them long-term by creating a comprehensive plan for the future.

“Without having some type of plan that guides the decisions,” Madra Clay, regional director of the DCED, said,” You’re going to go in circles.”

In response to rundown buildings, the DCED suggested that the code enforcement officer be given more ordinances to enforce. They also offered to help guide the borough through the process of writing the new ordinances.

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While some council members wanted to prioritize certain projects over others, the main goal was clear: Improve Philipsburg for everyone with the help of the DCED. The changes will not be immediate, but the council is looking to work more closely with the DCED in the coming months.

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