Here we go again, another proposed tax increase in Buffalo Township (“Freeport Area looking at tax hikes for proposed $33.5M budget,” May 2, TribLIVE). The Freeport Area School Board must have had dreams on how to spend more money again.

Buffalo gets an average increase of $80, while residents of Armstrong County get an average increase of $20. This is like rubbing salt into a wound when the Armstrong School District superintendent makes $170,464 per year and Freeport’s superintendent makes $148,00 per year (“Comparing superintendent salaries in the Alle-Kiski Valley,” May 5, TribLIVE).

Those raising families or on fixed incomes and seniors cannot continue to support the spending Freeport is doing. Every year it is another increase to everyone’s tax package. Look at their reasonings of the past: a new high school with all the bells and whistles. This decision has arguments all around, but was it really needed? Then we have the athletic facilities that weren’t needed, but Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer got saddled with them anyway.

Freeport business manager Ryan Manzer said “Things are happening around us that we cannot control.” Well, if they can’t be controlled, then we need to find someone who can control them. President Dan Lucovich and the school board must realize Buffalo Township doesn’t have a cash cow hidden away anywhere.

Freeport is heading down the same path as the Penn Hills School District — new schools, new athletic facilities, debt and higher tax demands. Except the well is running dry in Buffalo Township.

Jack Juris

Buffalo Township

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