Forks Township Opposes Easton Commuter Tax Plan

officials don't believe their input matters.

That's the feeling shared by the Forks Township Board of Supervisors Thursday night regarding a commuter tax proposed by Easton.

"I don't want to get into a food fight with Easton over this," Supervisor David Billings said. "It would be a big mistake."

Mayor Sal Panto said who live outside the city but work there to deal with financial challenges over the next two years, including $27 million in payments on lawsuits and a drastic increase in pension plans.

Easton has scheduled a public hearing on the matter for April 25.

The new tax -- a suggested 1.75 percent -- would also include city government employees who don't live within Easton. City residents already pay the same rate.

Billings suggested, though, that Forks Township, through Township Manager John Cornell, send a letter of concern and objection.

"We could write a letter," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said. "I had a half-dozen people just furious over this. We can pass it on that we are concerned about it being implemented. I doubt they're going to do anything about it."

Billings said the township should draft a "simple letter" that our residents are complaining.

"It's not under our control and we don't want to go down this road," Billings said. "With the public hearing next week, our timing is perfect."