The city of Butler provides services to nonprofits as well as to properties on the real estate tax rolls.

However, nonprofits, which occupy about 35 percent of the property in the city’s 2.7 square miles, are not required by state law to pay taxes.

Still, nonprofits such as churches and social service agencies are not prohibited from making a contribution to the city’s coffers in lieu of taxes.

Last year, after donations were requested from nonprofits to help the city deal with worsening financial problems, 12 organizations — some that did so publicly and some that wished to remain anonymous — contributed a total of $11,850.

This year only four contributions totaling $6,650 have been pledged, although the city appreciates every dollar received.

Three of those contributors are Congregation B’nai Abraham, Family Pathways and St. Anthony’s Antiochian Orthodox Church. The other contributor chose not to be identified.

Economic uncertainties continue on many fronts in the city, and it is understandable that many nonprofits are experiencing difficulties of their own.

That acknowledged, it still is in nonprofits’ best interests to try to support the city and its services as much as possible.

Those who have done so deserve praise. Others should re-evaluate their decision not to contribute.

JeerFormer Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky, having caused great embarrassment to the university, continues to be seen wearing Penn State garb.That was the case again on Thursday when Sandusky was released from jail after having spent a night behind bars.The jailing followed the filing of additional sex abuse charges against him.Sandusky secured his release on Thursday using $200,000 in real estate holdings and a $50,000 certified check provided by his wife.Many times since Sandusky was charged early last month with abusing eight boys, some on campus, over 15 years, the former coach has appeared wearing Penn State items, appparently trying to depict his continuing loyalty to the university.Even if he’s eventually exonerated of the charges that he currently faces, he should do the university a favor and not call attention to himself by wearing Penn State gear.He was the cause of the ouster of longtime college president Graham Spanier and might have irreparably damaged the careers of others.As is well known, he also has damaged the football program and the legacy of longtime football Coach Joe Paterno.Jerry Sandusky is not Penn State and he should avoid any attempts to try to convey the opposite message.

JeerButler County state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, who chairs the State Government Committee, had the opportunity to defend taxpayers’ best interests last month, but flubbed the opportunity.Metcalfe, directing much of his attention to stopping public benefits for illegal aliens and seeking a voter-ID bill, said there wasn’t enough time to act to halt the Dec. 1 automatic 3 percent legislative pay raise, even though, deep down, he realized there was plenty of time.He just chose not to initiate a full-court press on behalf of that objective and, thus, state taxpayers again are losers.The proposed bill in question was introduced on Oct. 31, a full month before the pay raise was to go into effect, yet Metcalfe couldn’t muster the energy to fast-track it, even though he says “I would have supported it.”His explanation is shallow and should not be accepted by his 12th District constituents or other state taxpayers.He truly dropped the ball on the issue.

JeerApparently the law and the courts haven’t made a deep enough impression on Jeffrey J. Cuzzo, 35, of Penn Township.Cuzzo, who was convicted of driving under the influence stemming from arrests in 1999, 2000 and two in 2008, now faces court in a fifth case.His latest arrest was the result of a two-vehicle crash that injured a Renfrew couple in the other vehicle.Adding to the seriousness of his latest alleged DUI offense is the fact that he was driving while his driving privilege was suspended.It’s obvious that Cuzzo needs a stern wake-up call if he’s found guilty of the latest charges. Apparently his previous penalties were too much like a slap on the wrist.Up to now, it’s apparent that Cuzzo has refused to acknowledge the seriousness of DUI and how it can put his and the lives of innocent people in jeopardy.The penalty from a fifth DUI conviction should have no semblance of leniency, no matter how much sorrow Cuzzo might express to the judge.