Additional earned income tax and property tax for open space

The question asks Upper Allen Township voters whether to impose an additional Earned Income Tax of one twentieth of one percent (1/20 of 1%) (.0005) and raise the real property tax by up to .20 mills, to finance open space and recreation land. The money could buy agricultural conservation easements, open space such as woodlands and stream valleys, recreation land for facilities or trails, or development rights. Under the development rights option, a landowner keeps the property, but it cannot be developed. A YES vote approves both taxes for these purposes, and a NO vote rejects them.

The ballot question asks the voters of Upper Allen Township whether the Township should impose an additional Earned Income Tax at the rate of One Twentieth of One Percent (1/20 of 1%) (.0005) and an increase in the real property tax at a rate not to exceed .20 mills ($.20 per $1,000 assessed valuation) on an annual basis to purchase land or interests in land for preservation and conservation of open, predominantly undeveloped land in Upper Allen Township. The Township would use the money to do one or more of the following: 1. Acquire agricultural conservation easements. The Township could purchase agricultural conservation easements or participate in State or County land preservation programs that acquire agricultural conservation easements. An agricultural conservation easement allows the landowner to retain his/her land and use it for farming and other agricultural purposes. 2. Finance the acquisition of open space. The Township could purchase undeveloped land from landowners in the Township in order to protect sensitive natural areas such as woodlands, stream valleys or other unique natural resources or habitats. 3. Finance the acquisition of recreation land. The Township could purchase undeveloped land from landowners in the Township for the purpose of developing additional recreational facilities or trails and walkways. 4. Acquire Property Development Rights. Under this option, a landowner would retain the property, but the property could not be developed. A vote of “YES” to the ballot question approves the imposition of an additional Earned Income Tax at the rate of One Twentieth of One Percent (1/20 of 1%) (.0005) and an increase in the real property tax at a rate not to exceed .20 mills ($.20 per $1,000 assessed valuation) upon Township residents for the foregoing purposes.