Ford City tables repeal of per capita tax

Ford City Council this week tabled action to repeal the borough's per capita tax after borough tax collector Bridgette Opalka argued that collecting the tax is cost-effective and profitable for the borough.

She said the tax would generate an approximate net of $12,000 annually for the borough. The borough currently levies a $20 head tax on employed residents and a $10 head tax on unemployed residents.

"This tax is the most fair tax in Ford City," said Opalka. "If we do away with the tax, where we will generate this revenue?"

Council also approved a plan by Tom Sipes Demolition to tear down the borough-owned Building 228, which once housed PPG and later Eljer Plumbingware factory space. Sipes is currently razing another Eljer building which he purchased from Eljer's owners, Sun Capital.

Councilman Tom Shaffer said Sipes will tear the building to the ground and put up a fence between a connected, privately-owned building. Sipes gets the materials in exchange. It will be at no charge to the borough, Shaffer said.

Council also approved keeping Eljer Way as the name of the street in front of the town's industrial row and putting up signs for the street.