Higher fees for tax delinquents in Summit Hill

It’s going to get more expensive for people who become delinquent on paying real estate taxes in Summit Hill.

The borough council on Monday voted 4-2 to hire Portnoff Law Associates of King of Prussia to collect delinquent real estate taxes. Opposed was council President Michael Kokinda and member William O’Gurek who voice concerns about the high fees that Pornoff assesses.

An ordinance the council adopted allows the law firm to charge the fees.

These fees include:

• Initial review and sending first legal demand letter: $175.

• Prepare and mail letter: $50.

• First lien and prepare satisfaction: $250.

• Obtain vehicle identification number for mobile home: $100.

• Prepared default judgment: $175.

• Prepare writ of execution: $800.

• Attendance at sale: $400.

• Services not covered: $75 to $275 per hour.

In addition to the fees, out of pocket costs and expenses will be levied.

Several other local boroughs and school districts use the services of Portnoff to collect taxes.

The council said in the past that the large number of delinquent taxpayers is putting a strain on the borough’s budget.

The delinquencies had been collected in the past by the Carbon County Tax Bureau.

In other business, the council also increased the delinquent fee for trash collection bills from 20 percent to 25 percent. O’Gurek was opposed.

Councilman Greg Kosciolek was absent.

“We wouldn’t be doing this if people paid their bills,” Councilman David Wargo said.

In other business

• Kira Steber, the borough’s secretary-treasurer, said there are some addresses out of sync throughout the borough, making it difficult for emergency responders to find some homes.

“It’s definitely something we need to look at because, God forbid, something happens.”

Borough resident and firefighter John Poko Sr. said the problem dates back many years ago when coal companies used to dole out addresses.

• The Diligence Fire Company was given permission to use the Community Center on Sept. 1 for an oldies dance.

• Council member Debra Ranck is receiving information to repair the heating and cooling system in the borough hall.