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Tinicum tax collector addresses collection issues

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Tinicum Township’s transition from longtime tax collector Kimberly Hinrichs to Mike Clement of Pipersville has been anything but smooth.

Clement acknowledged as much this month when he cited a lack of mentorship for his lack of operational know-how.

“It takes knowledge and effort to do this job well,” he told the Herald this month. “I worked hard but I didn't know enough to do a good job.”

For over 30 years, Tinicum was well served by Hinrichs in the critical role of township tax collector. She did not seek reelection in 2021 and Clement was the unopposed candidate to succeed her at the start of 2022.

At the Dec. 6 Tinicum Board of Supervisors meeting, the board announced fielding “a fair number of wide concerns related to bumpy tax collection issues.”

Frustrated residents have been requesting board assistance regarding tax bills that haven’t been received and timely tax bill payments that haven’t been deposited.

Member Eleanor Breslin explained, “We are trying our best to remain on top of these issues in the ways we are allowed to be involved. Tax Collection does not report to the board of supervisors. We are working closely with the Palisades School District to help in this matter.”

The Herald reached out to Mr. Clement for comment and he responded with a lengthy written explanation.

“When I was running for office, the previous Tax Collector told me an experienced Collector would be assigned to help me set up my office and offer advice,” he said. “That didn't happen. I was not offered help until mid-May — some 10 weeks after I began collecting taxes.

“By the time I met with my mentor I had already collected most of the County and Township tax bills.... I have been working with members of the Bucks County Controller's Office to correct other [systemic] deficiencies.”

Breslin explained lines of communication are open and the board had met with Clement last May offering assistance to help improve tax collection and overall service. The target is to allow collection to run more smoothly before the new round of tax billing kicks in next summer. As provided by the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers (NACCTFO), a mentor had been assigned to work with Clement.

In other news from the Dec. 6 meeting, Sherman Road was declared a “residence district” in a 2-1 vote with board chairman Richard Rosamilia in opposition. The vote finally resolved months-long debate over Sherman Road and triggered a speed-limit reduction there to 25 mph.

During public comments, resident Cindy Gasparre again brought up the opportunity for a community-driven traffic advisory board (LTAC), which would study traffic calming measures. This notion was first proposed by community members and then dropped last April.


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