South Strabane Nixes Fire Hydrant Fee

Roughly 60 people turned out to a special meeting held by South Strabane Township Supervisors to voice their concerns regarding a fire hydrant assessment fee. That fee would be charged to any property owner within 780 feet of a fire hydrant. Anyone beyond that measurement would not be assessed the fee. Residents were clear with their opposition to the assessment calling it arbitrary, unfair and unjust. People were angry that some homeowners would not have to pay the fee even though they may benefit from the service of a fire hydrant. One resident likened it to her paying a street light and sidewalk fee every year even though she has no sidewalks or street lights. The fee would be based on assessed value of a property. Twenty four hours before the meeting, no millage rate or estimated cost for the tax was provided for resident review. That was rectified late in the day and was announced at the meeting. A .0597 mil assessment would have created an $11.94 fee based on a house valued at $200,000. Regardless of the untimely information, the board voted unanimously to defeat the measure. Also angering residents was the meeting’s time. The meeting held at 10:00 AM had residents thinking that the board was trying to slip the ordinance past them. The issue will be revisited but not for calendar year 2022.