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Residents urge caution on taxes, question hospital purchase in Upper Darby public comments
Summary
During public comment two residents urged the board to consider tax impacts and spending priorities: a local businessman raised alarms about an Earned Income Tax and a possible hospital purchase, and a second speaker urged the board to defend children's vaccine access and criticized federal health policy.
Two Upper Darby residents used the Aug. 12 public comment period to press the board on taxes, district spending and public health policy.
Carl Hemphill, identified himself as an Upper Darby resident and business owner, told the board he is concerned about an earned income tax (EIT) proposal, the district's high millage and a reported purchase of a hospital. “Where’s all this money coming from? It’s coming from guys like me,” Hemphill said, warning that higher taxes could push small businesses to the brink and urging the board to be “fiscally conservative.” Hemphill asked for clarity about the hospital purchase and whether the district planned to flip the facility or operate it, and requested follow‑up from the administration.
Another commenter, who identified himself as Steve, addressed broader federal health policy and urged the board to support children's access to vaccines. Speaking as a polio survivor, Steve criticized national figures who he said were undermining vaccine policy and asked the board to “really seriously think about taking a stand on the right of every child to have these vaccines.”
Board leadership said administration staff would follow up with commenters by email when appropriate. The meeting record shows the board accepted public comments in person first and noted that online comments would be read into the record if submitted.
Neither the board nor the administration announced any immediate changes to tax policy or capital plans during the meeting; concerns raised by commenters will inform future discussions as the board and administration finalize budget and program decisions.
