Middletown Eyes Plan To Return Tax Money To Property Owners

The Middletown Board of Supervisors are eyeing a plan to potentially return a portion of their earned income tax (EIT) revenue.

Vice Chairperson Mike Ksiazek asked the township staff and solicitor Monday evening to look at returning some of the funds to taxpayers. He also suggested the township look adding an additional police officer to focus on traffic issues and an additional Public Works Department crew member.

Middletown recently received approximately $900,000 in delinquent EIT revenues that were owed to it. The windfall was not factored in the budget and could be returned to property owners through a rebate program similar to those in Bensalem and Tullytown.

“I look forward to easing the burden on our residents,” Chairperson Amy Strouse said.

The proposal would have owners of properties that are not vacant receive an appropriation from Middletown, Strouse explained.

Both Ksiazek and Strouse said they hope to “move quickly” on the plan.

The full Board of Supervisors are expected to receive a proposal at their next meeting.

The controversial EIT, a tax levied on employed township residents and those who work in the community, was imposed in 2014. Many residents have not been happy with the .5 percent EIT and have called for it to be repealed.