SAXONBURG — While not a financial cure-all, the borough's new landlord ordinance is expected to increase wage tax revenue for the borough.

Under the ordinance passed by council this month, landlords must register their new tenants with the borough.

Anyone violating the ordinance by not reporting new tenants will pay a $100 to $300 fine, plus attorneys fees and court costs.

Sandy Troutman, the earned income tax collector for borough residents, said the new regulation will help bring in more revenue for the borough.

"It will help pinpoint who is coming in and out of the (taxing) district," she said.

Troutman said enforcement is key.

"This will work as long as they follow up," she said.

Steve Pickard, who collects borough property taxes and the $5 per capita tax, earlier this year proposed such an ordinance to council.

The per capita tax is a flat tax levied for every adult living in the borough.

Pickard said he suggested the ordinance because it would improve recordkeeping.

Tom Knights, borough zoning officer, first proposed the ordinance to council two years ago.

He said a study then showed 25 percent of all dwelling units in the borough were rentals, so it would be prudent to have more current information on tenants.

Borough controller Mary Papik said the ordinance will result in modest revenue gains.

"I don't believe it will be significant because our tax collectors have always been very diligent," she said. "But, hopefully, it will make their jobs easier."

Council president Bill Gillespie said he supports the idea of keeping better track of renters.