Even though Macungie Mayor Rick Hoffman issued a veto Dec. 30 in an attempt to quash the 1-mil tax increase Borough Council passed weeks ago, council voted 5-2 on Jan. 3 to override his veto. As a result, real estate taxes will go up in 2011. 

More than 50 residents packed the Macungie Institute's auditorium Jan. 3 to address the tax increase and support Borough Manager Chris Boehm. Last week a local weekly newspaper ran an ad – in addition to fliers that were delivered door-to-door – that stated Boehm could possibly be relieved of her job at the meeting.

Council President Guy Ramsey addressed the borough manager situation very early on.

"We have not completed [Boehm's] annual review nor have we begun the process of replacing her. Council must complete her review then decide what to do. If that's what you're here for tonight, save your comments or support or your dissatisfaction for the time when that conversation will take place, " he said.

During the public comments segment several residents approached the podium to address all sides of the tax-increase issue. Calling attention to Macungie's low crime rate, some said the borough could not afford a sixth police officer if it means raising taxes. Others thanked the Macungie police for keeping the crime rate low and still others said if the price of keeping the borough safe is higher taxes, they'd pay it.

Macungie Police Chief Edward Harry took the podium to explain why public safety would be jeopardized if the number of officers is cut. He said his department can only function with the five full-time officers – plus one 30-hour part-time officer – suggested by the mayor if none of the officers took vacation, sick or comp time. Harry called attention to the armed robbery at an Emmaus bank Dec. 30 at which there were 10 shots fired at an Emmaus officer, and to the three other armed robberies that have occurred at Emmaus banks in recent history.

"For those who say that was Emmaus and this is Macungie, please tell me where the magical wall is between Emmaus and Macungie," Harry said.

The room emptied considerably after council voted down the mayor's plan. The mayor, shortly after issuing last week's veto, predicted that council would do just that.

Consequently, taxes on a $150,000 home with an appraised value of $75,000, will go up $75 this year.