The West Vincent Township Board of Supervisors honored two officers at their May 13, 2013 Board Meeting.  Officer Patrick Butler was recognized for his actions on June 15, 2012 for his quick response and his expertise with life saving techniques and equipment, specifically the AED, Automatic External Defibrillator, that was in his patrol vehicle. The Board presented him a Departmental Life Savings Award, commendation bar and plaque. The resident, Ellen Piskai, was saved and was also present to personally thank Officer Butler. The Board also honored Chief Michael Swininger recognizing his special contribution to the Township. More specifically the actions Chief Swininger took on August 28, 2011, the West Vincent Police responded to a call to assist a woman who was trapped in her home on French Creek Road. French Creek had flooded due to the heavy rainfall from hurricane Irene. In recognition of the heroism Chief Swininger displayed in directing and performing this water rescue, the Board of Supervisors of West Vincent Township presented him a Departmental Award of Merit, commendation bar and plaque.

Officer Butler with his wife on his left and two daughters.  Ellen Piskai is on his right.

West Vincent Township has a real estate tax, an earned income tax and a transfer tax. Collections of these taxes through the end of April show an increase over last year’s collections. Earned income taxes showed the most growth with an increase of more than $92,000 over last year. Transfer taxes were more than $21,000 over last year.

The following table shows the results from the audits done by the independent accountants for tax revenues for the Township. Excluding one-time unusual events and open space taxes, they show a steady slow growth in taxes except in 2009 when the economy was at its worst. Perhaps even more significant, tax receipts in every year exceeded budget estimates. The Township has been very conservative in estimating tax receipts. Since in all the years shown the Township budgets balanced revenues with expenditures, this reflects the Board’s continued commitment to managing the cost of providing services to Township residents

With respect to open space taxes, they showed a dramatic decrease in 2011 when the Township Supervisors repealed the real estate portion of open space taxes, which had previously been 0.49 mills.

Tax Receipts as reported by Audited Budgets

West Vincent Township has entered into a contract with the Chester County SPCA. Effective immediately, the SPCA will accept animals only from a Township employee.  Lost/Stray Dogs: If you have a stray animal, you are asked to notify the Police Department by calling the Chester County Police Dispatch, 610-935-2440. We will relay the information to our Animal Control Officer (ACO) who will try reunite the dog with its owner as soon as possible.   If your dog has a micro-chip, please be sure the chip is registered and that the contact information is current.Licenses: All dogs must be licensed. If a dog is found to be unlicensed, the owner could face a fine of up to $500.00 plus court costs. Annual dog licenses can be purchased online at www.padoglicense.com. Did you know that a properly registered micro-chip can be used as a lifetime license for your dog? Contact the Chester County Treasurer’s Office for more information.