Upper Darby Council voted 7-3 Aug. 6 to once again get the ball rolling on enacting a 1 percent earned income tax in the township, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.
With infrastructure and public works costs continuing to rise, the township needs either an EIT or more real estate taxes, according to Chief Administrative Officer Crandall Jones.
It’s estimated an earned income tax would bring in $17.8 million into the township, money needed if a proposed community center or a possible safety center wants to get built.
Councilmember Laura Wentz opposed the EIT for its negative impact on seniors and the poor, and suggested the tax be phased in at a lower level, such as half a percent.
“I don’t think the township should be adding a 1 percent gross tax on everybody’s income,” Wentz said.
Jones countered that he believed the EIT would be less of a burden on seniors and the poor than continuing to raise real estate taxes.
Final approval to proceed with the earned income tax proposal is planned for a public hearing at a Sept. 17 council meeting.
Read more about the earned income tax and other issues from the Aug. 6 council meeting in the Daily Times.
