Two recent articles in the Eagle have prompted me to write.

The first was about Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy outlining that his primary task currently is getting the Butler Area Sewer Authority sale to go through. Unfortunately, there are no free lunches in life, and the money the mayor is counting on eventually will be provided by the ratepayers in Butler. It has been shown that Pennsylvania American Water dramatically raises rates whenever they take over a system. So this is actually a “back door” tax increase — nothing less. I do not live in Butler city and am not a BASA customer, but can see where this is headed. They will be coming for Saxonburg Area Authority next.

Second is the recent announcement our county taxes have generated a surplus. Now, when there is a deficit, the commissioners raise taxes to compensate. The fact there is now a surplus indicates we have been overtaxed. So when can we expect the tax rate to drop accordingly? Or will you just spend the money? I think I know the answer, but I would hope one of our commissioners will address this. The Republican commissioners were not shy about charging all of us an extra $5 for our vehicle registration fees. How about giving us a little of the money back?

Dave Penn, Saxonburg