To the residents of Ellwood City and surrounding areas: If Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s HB 2030 passes the state Senate, it will have, arguably, the second-biggest impact on Ellwood City since the closing of National Tube and other manufacturers.
Bernstine’s bill prohibits the borough from using $1.45 million of electric department profits to fund general operations.
The borough's monthly wages and benefits average $314,000, which provides important services to residents and those in surrounding areas. The loss of the electric profits equates to the borough having to wipe out close to five months of all borough employees’ wages and benefits. These employees include police and firefighters, crossing guards, swimming pool and parks employees, and public works (snow removal, street paving, road maintenance, etc.)
In order to maintain all current services, a 67 percent property tax increase would be required in 2019.
Bernstine’s bill would also have a ripple effect throughout the area. Ellwood is the hub for a population of approximately 27,000. Its parks and pool, ball fields, downtown events, etc., depend on the borough’s ability to provide funding.
Bernstine’s bill also throws a wrench into the gears of Ellwood’s revitalization efforts. The borough would lack the matching funds required for these grants.
I urge all residents and those from surrounding areas to contact their state senators asking that they vote "No" on House Bill 2030. Our local state senator, Elder Vogel Jr., can be reached at 717-787-3076. Other email addresses and phone numbers can be found at https://humane-pa.org/resources.
Dom A. Viccari, Ellwood City