As is often the case with government, the recent decision by Ellwood City Borough Council to recoup costs from local non-profits is likely to have the exact opposite effect from what is desired.
These actions are being taken in the name of fiscal responsibility, but the reality is that the Borough gets much more benefit from these groups than what it contributes. If the Borough were to put a bid out to hire a contractor to clean up the waterways, how much do you think it would cost? What about hiring bands to play at the plaza downtown or paying workers to put the flags out on Lawrence Avenue during patriotic holidays?
It wouldn’t be prudent for the Borough to incur the full cost of these activities. Of course, an alternative would be to not do any of these things at all, but there is a cost for inaction too in terms of the long term viability of the community and the impacts to the tax base of gradual economic decline.
The fiscally responsible thing to do is actually to continue what the Borough has been doing all along – partnering with these local non-profit groups in order to leverage the meager resources that each entity has in order to achieve something greater.
Doug Smith, Perry Township
I agree that a consensus is needed between Ellwood council and the non-profits.
However, there are several additional issues that need addressed.
• Zelienople received millions in state grants to restore the Kaufman House for private enterprise. These grants do not have to be repaid. Our state representatives did nothing for Ellwood. Our state representatives failed to assist with the electric department construction, a public enterprise. They could have but did nothing.
• Zelienople received hundreds of thousands in state grants to revitalize their community parks. These grants do not have to be repaid. Our state representatives did nothing for Ellwood. They could have but did nothing.
• There are hard liners on council with the ‘slash and burn’ mentality. They are the ones who were intentionally absent at the pre-election town hall meetings. It appears they do not want to be accountable to the Ellwood constituency. That raises the suspicion of to whom are they answering.
• I resent outsiders attempting to dictate Ellwood’s finances. Perry Township contributes nothing financially to Ellwood tax rolls. They are entitled to their opinion but should not have a seat at the table.
How about the “outsiders” you resent who own a business in the borough, do they not pay taxes just the same? Do they not get a say because they don’t live in the borough? Think before you speak.
How about the “outsiders” you resent who own a business in the borough…
• If they were business owners in the borough, they surely would have mentioned it and the name of their business. They didn’t. Otherwise it’s just speculation lacking credibility.
• I know at least 90% of borough businesses owners and they do live in the borough. I can find out about the other 10%.
• How many township business owners live in Ellwood?
If it is the same gentleman with that name who I’ve seen in the newspapers and around town at various events, he is a volunteer in one of the non-profit groups being targeted by council. He, as a person who volunteers his own time for this community’s well being and forward progress, is absolutely entitled to a “seat at the table.”