Tax Debate Continues In Lower Merion

LOWER MERION, Pa. (CBS) -  Residents have another chance tonight to voice their opinions on the township's proposed budget which includes a nearly 13 percent tax increase, the highest in the township in seven years.

The first public hearing on the proposed spending plan last month drew a large crowd, most of the residents turning out to oppose the budget and the hefty tax hike. Many residents focused on the economy, telling the commissioners the township should rein in spending or cut services rather than hike taxes.

Republican commissioner Jenny Brown says her GOP colleagues on the board have tried to control spending increases:

"I have made a number of motions including a request that the township staff prepare an alternate budget with a zero percent spending increase, all of those motions which we make and have made throughout the year have failed."

There's also an online petition opposing the 12.7 percent tax hike that's been signed by nearly two thousand township residents. Tonight's public hearing begins at seven at the township building in Ardmore.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio