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"Officials are considering a proposal to increase Hanover property taxes 38 percent.Property taxes were last increased in the borough nine years ago. If the Borough Council approves the hike, the average property owner of a home assessed at $165,000 will see their taxes go up about $250.Hanover officials said they have no choice in the face of federal and state funding cutbacks for a variety of borough programs, including the library, recycling and fire and police training. The borough is also facing rising costs for pensions and insurance.Borough Council President John Gerken said he doesn't feel good about raising taxes.\"We don't relish or cherish the idea of doing this, but it is something we have to do at this point in time,\" Gerken said.Residents of Hanover said they were not thrilled with the idea of such a large increase in property taxesRalph Raubenstine, 80, of Hanover said he is living on a fixed income.\"This hitting you all at one time is difficult,\" Raubenstine said.In recent years, borough officials compensated for funding cutbacks by reducing the number of borough employees in public works, water and sewer departments. Borough Manager Barbara Krebs said they can't reduce staff anymore.\"We're at the point where we are at the bare minimum for employees,\" Krebs said.Krebs said she is hoping the 38 percent tax hike can be reduced somehow.\"After going through it myself for the last two months, I don't know where we can cut. We are still trying to make every effort,\" Krebs said.It is likely there will be more discussions about the proposed tax hike at a meeting scheduled for next week. A final vote is set for the day after Christmas.The last time Hanover raised taxes, they were increased 51 percent.Hanover property tax bills will go out in March and will be due in April."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wgal.com/article/hanover-could-raise-property-taxes-38-percent/6223546>