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Residents urge caution on earned-income tax and oppose large millage increases
Summary
During public comment at the Tredyffrin-Easttown budget workshop, residents told the board they oppose earned-income tax proposals and warned that a 5–6% millage rise would harm many households; commenters cited past local studies and referendum results in arguing against shifting taxes away from property revenue.
Public comment at the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District budget workshop focused on taxpayer burden and opposition to an earned-income tax (EIT) as a solution for revenue gaps.
Tom Moriarty, a resident who identified his township, urged the board to "dial your expectations back" rather than raise taxes, noting the district has many older residents without school-age children. "Old people do not have students in this program... you need to look very carefully as to what you're spending and who you're asking to pay for this," he said.
Mike Heberg, another resident, echoed those concerns and recounted prior local study and public meetings on the earned-income tax. He said townships studied the idea and the public response was broadly negative; he cited a prior referendum result, saying the EIT was "on the ballot in 2006 [and] it was defeated 88% to 12%." Heberg also highlighted that commercial properties contribute more than $30 million in school taxes to the district and urged the board to consider the hardship a 5–6% millage increase would impose on many households.
Board members acknowledged public concerns and reiterated that no action was taken at the workshop. Several trustees invited residents to continue participating in finance meetings and the next budget workshop, where the board will examine expense reductions and further budget detail.
The public-comment period closed with the board returning to internal discussion; the next public workshop is scheduled for April 8, 2024, at Conestoga High School.
