Muncy Township residents, your selection for Supervisor will determine the well-being of your lifestyle and WALLET!

The Supervisor running for re-election, Gary Harmon Jr. voted a 25% INCREASE for municipal taxes in 2023. The TWP had a surplus — NO TAX INCREASE needed. Despite this, Mr. Harmon and cohorts increased taxes. Recently, repairs to part of the township building that houses the fire company were PAID FOR with tax dollars–in VIOLATION of the lease agreement, while the Fire Company receives a monthly stipend from the Township of nearly $4000! Right to Know requests for utility bills show sporadic “reimbursements” to the Fire Company. ALL behind closed doors!

Mr. Harmon’s “influence” appears boundless. He pushed an ordinance benefitting purchasers of the Lycoming Mall — FAMVEST — a tax abatement that limits revenue from “redevelopment” for a minimum of six years following occupancy permits to new buildings. He refuses to grasp the consequences that will pass the cost of municipal services required of this project to the existing taxpayers. Is it coincidence that his campaign signs are all over the FAMVAST property? Optics are everything — is Harmon in FAMVEST’s pocket? Is it also “coincidence” that FAMVEST mentioned Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. in their reconstruction of the site? Mr. Harmon is employed by Hawbaker! Mr. Harmon attempted to “quietly” transfer TWP control of Zoning, Land Development, and Subdivision BACK to Lycoming County. Coincidence? Is it tied with FAMVEST’s receipt of a $5 MILLION dollar loan from the County? Through Right to Know requests by residents was this attempt called out, stopping this “secret” back door deal!

An audit of Township finances for year 2024 indicates an operating DEFICIT, while new equipment was purchased costing nearly $177,000 and funds dropping by $186,982! There was also an expense of $22,000 in “overtime” — not specified! This WILL equate to a tax hike for the year 2026 — estimated at 50%!! All this under his “leadership”, employees continue to receive health care, completely paid by taxpayers for themselves and their dependents. The audit results show the main source of income for the Township is property taxes. The health care costs alone for four TWP employees eclipsed $100,000! Employee costs in 2024 totaled $496,792, up from last year which was $469,371. TWP revenue is estimated at $434,000. The American Rescue Plan funds were spent on the Township building, to include the purchase of radios. It was learned that there is NO NEED for road maintenance equipment to have these radios — they do not communicate with the county — at a cost of nearly $88,000, when there is only $63,000 left in this account! At no time was any attempt made to review the needs of the community to see if these funds could be better spent benefiting ALL the taxpayers! An attempt at “cost cutting” in late 2024 targeted the compensation to the tax collector starting in 2026–who was questioning bookkeeping in Township meetings– while giving EVERY township employee a RAISE!

Residents and taxpayers who dare to question issues in monthly meetings are given no answers or are berated from the “front table”.

We MUST return to leadership that is open and HONEST. The choice is simple-a vote against the “status quo” WILL ensure that your voice and your WALLET — is the highest priority!

THOMAS G. SCHAECH

Pennsdale

Submitted by email