Update: This letter has received a response from Borough Manager of East Stroudsburg Borough
The East Stroudsburg Borough Council has proposed a staggering 29% property tax increase for 2025, sparking outrage and concern among residents. This comes on the heels of a 15% tax hike in 2024, totaling nearly a 50% increase in property taxes over two years.
For many, this significant financial burden raises questions about the Borough's fiscal management and transparency. Residents are now calling for clear answers and accountability from the Borough’s leadership.
Unanswered Questions About Borough Finances
Several residents have voiced frustration after learning that East Stroudsburg has not completed audits for the 2023 or 2024 budgets. Without a clear picture of past financial performance, how can the Borough justify a 29% increase?
Adding to the confusion, Borough Manager Kelly Lewis cited "coming off of COVID monies," inflation, and non-taxable properties as reasons for the tax hike. However, property taxes were collected throughout the pandemic, supplemented by nearly $3 million in federal COVID relief funds. Residents want to know: where did that money go?
Where Is the COVID Money?
The $3 million in federal relief funds, provided under the American Recovery Act, was intended to support municipalities during the pandemic. Yet the Borough has not detailed how these funds were spent. Were they used for necessary expenses like infrastructure repairs, public safety, or community services? Or were they allocated to bonuses, pensions, or other discretionary spending?
Without an audit or a line-item budget breakdown, taxpayers are left in the dark.
Tax Increases vs. Financial Accountability
The Borough claims that inflation is driving the need for a tax increase. But will taxes be reduced if inflation decreases? As one resident pointed out, property taxes function like debt: failure to pay leads to severe consequences, just as with a car loan.
Furthermore, local governments have a duty to manage budgets responsibly without excessively burdening taxpayers. A 29% tax hike—on top of last year’s 15% increase—feels like a failure to control spending, and some residents are questioning whether it amounts to mismanagement or even fraud.
Call to Action: Attend the Public Hearing on December 17th
East Stroudsburg residents are urged to attend the public hearing on the proposed 2025 budget at 7:15 p.m. on December 17th, during the regular Borough Council meeting. This is your chance to demand answers and hold local officials accountable.
Here are some critical questions residents should consider asking at the hearing:
- Audits and Transparency
- Why have the audits for the 2023 and 2024 budgets not been completed?
- How can the Borough justify raising taxes without knowing the financial status of previous years?
- COVID Relief Funds
- How were the $3 million in American Recovery Act funds spent?
- Can the Borough provide a detailed breakdown of the expenditures?
- Spending Cuts
- What efforts have been made to reduce spending instead of raising taxes?
- Why hasn’t the Borough explored “line-item” reductions in the budget?
- Non-Taxable Properties
- What specific plans does the Borough have to address the financial impact of non-taxable properties like the hospital and university?
- Public Accountability
- Why hasn’t the Borough provided a detailed explanation of where last year’s tax increase was spent?
- Will the Borough commit to publishing a full and transparent financial report before adopting the 2025 budget?
- Future Tax Rates
- If inflation decreases, will the Borough reduce taxes accordingly?
By asking these questions, residents can ensure the Borough Council understands the depth of public concern. Together, the community can push for transparency, fiscal responsibility, and equitable solutions that do not unfairly burden taxpayers.