We have been skeptical of the new Emergency and Municipal Services tax, fearing that local communities would use the tax simply to gain a windfall in revenue.
But it appears from a survey of Valley towns that the EMS tax is being used by communities to hold the line on property taxes.
Of 59 communities in the Valley's four counties, only eight raised property taxes for 2007.
Thirty-one Valley communities now have an EMS tax ranging from $15 to $52. Another five have a $10 tax.
Cheswick, for example, implemented the maximum $52 EMS tax on people working there and was able to hold property taxes to 5 mills, despite pressures from rising fuel costs and needed repairs to its water plant, according to officials.
Under a compromise to help the City of Pittsburgh, state lawmakers in 2004 gave all communities the authority to implement a maximum $52 EMS tax to replace the $10 occupational tax to help pay for police and fire services.
And it does provide flexibility for communities.
Municipalities that have large industrial parks and commercial plazas, such as Clinton Township's new Victory Road park or South Buffalo's county park, which require new services, may use it.
And in most Valley towns, workers making less than $12,000 can obtain a refund of the EMS tax.
We've long advocated that Valley communities move to regional police forces and consolidate fire companies to provide essential services more efficiently.
The EMS tax shouldn't be a way for communities to simply raise more revenue.
But it can provide the flexibility some communities need to reduce their reliance on the property tax.
