Kennett Sq. presents proposed 2023 budget, 8.1% tax hike eyed

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget, totaling $5.1 million, was presented to the Kennett Square Council. The presentation highlighted positive indicators of economic development in the Borough, including a 19% increase in growth-based revenue due to enhanced economic activity (Local Tax Enabling Act) over a five-year period. The proposed budget also reduces administrative...

Letter: Why this former Kennett Democratic primary candidate is now voting for a Republican

TowTo The Editor, For generations, every member of my family, on both sides, has voted for Democrats.  I have been left with no choice but to break with that tradition in this year’s election and vote for the Republican running for Kennett Township Supervisor, Geoffrey Gamble. My entire immediate family, and an increasing number of other loyal Kennett Democrats, are doing the same.  I must put...

Wolf’s budget proposal is great…and dead on arrival

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa Gov. Tom Wolf introduced his 2021-22 budget, and I have to say it is audacious, ambitious and goes a long way to solve the root problems of much of what has plagued Pennsylvania for more than three decades. It is also, sadly, deader than Elvis. That says more about Pennsylvania and Republicans in the General Assembly than it does about Wolf. Not that...

Letter: PASD employee deflects budget questions with attacks

To The Editor, Last night during the budget meeting a statement was made by Phoenixville Area School District employee Richard Fazio. Mr. Fazio, in a fashion I can only describe as utterly devoid of professional ethics replied to my questions by personally attacking me. Such an unwarranted attack would never have been permitted while I was on the board. It is yet another clear sign that alleged misinformation...

Letter: Avondale can’t afford Borough Hall upgrades

To The Editor, At a recent Avondale Borough council meeting, I learned that some council members are moving forward with a proposal to renovate and add on to the borough building. As a taxpaying resident of the borough, I am in disagreement with this decision and wish to make other borough residents aware of the situation and how Avondale Borough’s money is being spent.   ...

State Police fees: an idea whose time has come

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times So…so much for putting a stop to writing about stuff. Despite an ill-advised detour into politics and some mild, annoying and decidedly non-life threatening health issues, not writing was beginning to feel increasingly like not breathing, so here I am again. For now — and obviously everything on this green Earth is really “for now” — I’m going to return...

UCF sets budget vote for June 18; honors retirees

By JP Phillips, Staff Writer, The Times Unionville High School Music teacher Scott Litzenberg and art teacher Heidi Benson are retiring. ” Two colleagues that are irreplaceable,” said Principal Jimmy Conley. EAST MARLBOROUGH — The $87.1 million 2018-19 budget moved forward during Monday’s Unionville Chadds-Ford School Board work session.  The final tax levy vote set for June 18. After...

UCF budget: Delco property values mean bigger hike for Chadds Ford

By JP Phillips, Staff Writer, The Times EAST MARLBOROUGH — Monday night’s budget meeting started with Superintendent John Sanville stating that the proposed $87,093,540 budget correctly reflects the district’s priorities and represents “the lowest weighted tax increase for Unionville Chadds-Ford School District in twenty years.” But because of the state-mandated process used by districts...

UCF Initiatives, school tax increases explained

By JP Phillips, Staff Writer, The Times Janet Schuster, retiring Patton Middle School teacher. EAST MARLBOROUGH — The April 9th Unionville Chadds-Ford School Board work session included a presentation by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, several district proposals, and talk of the upcoming 2018-19 budget.  But first, the Administration took time to honor a long-time employee. Patton Middle School...

Residents show support for Unionville Indian

By JP Phillips, Staff Writer, The Times PENNSBURY — Approximately 70 people attended the Unionville Chadds-Ford School District board meeting, with many showing their support for the current Unionville Indian name and logo.  Most appeared to be part of an organized group called “Save the Indian Coalition of UCFSD Residents.” According to a letter emailed to Superintendent John Sanville and all...