Ferguson supervisors direct manager to reconvene Tax Review Board for long‑term tax planning; one dissent

Ferguson Township’s Board of Supervisors on Nov. 12 voted to direct the township manager to prepare materials and a proposed scope of work to reconvene the Tax Review Board in 2026, with an emphasis on evaluating and recommending long‑term tax planning strategies.

Supervisor Jeremy Heller moved that "the board of supervisors direct the township manager to prepare the necessary materials and propose scope of work to reconvene the Tax Review Board in the 2026 based on the conversation here today and the scope outlined today for the purposes of evaluating and recommending long term tax planning strategies consistent with subsection 6.04 of the Ferguson Township code." Supervisor Strickland seconded the motion.

During the discussion, managers and supervisors debated whether the Tax Review Board should be asked only to follow the charter's enumerated duties or to take on a broader, multi‑year tax‑planning role. Staff noted the township had not convened that board in roughly 20 years and asked the supervisors to identify priorities and which of the board’s chartered powers they wished to activate. Supervisors raised concerns about vacancies and ward representation: the manager reported two vacancies on the Tax Review Board and that there were currently no listed members from Ward 3.

On roll call, the motion passed; the manager recorded Mr. Patterson as dissenting while other supervisors supported the direction to staff to prepare reconvening materials and a prioritized scope.

Next steps: the manager will prepare the Tax Review Board packet, identify priorities for the board to study (including, if requested, an exoneration policy and tax program review), and pursue targeted recruitment to fill vacancies, with the goal of convening in 2026.