Narberth Tax Hike Is Canceled

As recently as last Wednesday's caucus meeting, the was operating in anticipation of that would add $44 to the average property's bill. The reason was a required payout to the retiring police Lt. Art Pavoni.

However, as Mayor Tom Grady gleefully announced on Facebook Monday evening, borough officials announced at Monday's meeting that adjustments to 2012 expenses would allow the tax rate to remain the same: $1,316 a year for a $150,000 home, which is roughly the average assessment in the borough.

As reported in the Main Line Times and Neighbors Main Line, borough manager Bill Martin cited several factors that allowed the gap to be closed, including:

• less salary commitment to the police department, with the two vacant officer positions not expected to be filled until spring;
• a 6 percent increase in health care costs, less than the expected 10 percent.