East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Monroe County

Phone 570-223-8920

Fax 570-223-8935

F.A.Q.

Did You Know?

Some of the questions remain on the list indefinitely, while others do change. Updated questions appear with a colored font. 

What is the tax collectors name and address?

Dawn Arnst is the elected tax collector for Middle Smithfield Township. Dawn collects township, school and county taxes. Her telephone number is: 570.223.0675.  Please leave a message. The mailing address is:  P.O. Box 1279 Marshalls Creek PA 18335.

Are there any limits on fees that townships may establish for the administration and enforcement of the UCC (Uniform Construction Code)?

The UCC allows township to establish fees that cover the actual costs of the administration and enforcement of the code. Building permit fees should not provide a source of revenue for general township purposes. 

Why do the minutes from meetings have to be approved before they are posted on the web site?

Minutes are in a DRAFT form until the members of the boards, committees or commission have read and voted that they are correct as presented.  By accepting, the minutes as presented the members are stating that all the discussion; comments and motions are correctly documented. 

Minutes posted on the web site are a month behind the actual meetings. Regular meeting take place once a month and the minutes are approved from the previous monthly meeting. 

What are the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the chairman of the board of supervisors?

The chairman has no more and no less power than any other member of the board of supervisors, with a few exceptions. The chairman has the duty to open, lead, and keep order at meetings, may call special meetings of the board, and may swear in township police officers and special fire police. 

What is the population of our township?

According to the 2000 census the population for Middle Smithfield Township is 11,495. 

Who appoints the solicitor for a Zoning Hearing Board?

Section 907 of the Municipalities Planning Code states that the Zoning hearing board appoints its solicitor. However, the solicitor's fees are paid out of the zoning hearing boards budget, which is established by the board of supervisors.  

May the township budget be reopened in January?

Section 3202 of the Township Code states that the township budget may be reopened only in the January following a municipal election, or in other words, only in January in even-numbered years (2006, 2008, etc).  

Who do I call for my garbage collection?

Middle Smithfield Township does not have a curbside trash collection. Residents must contract with private trash haulers for household or business pickup.  Excessive outside storage of trash is prohibited. 

May the board of supervisors override a decision rendered by the township's zoning hearing board.

While the township may become party to an appeal of the zoning hearing board's decision, the board of supervisors does not have the power to overturn the decision. 

How many times a year must a board of supervisors meet?

According to the township Code, a board of supervisors must meet at least once a month.

If trees or shrubs are located along a township road and interfere with the safety of motorists, does the township have the authority to remove the trees or shrubs?

According to Section 2325 of the Township Code, the township must first receive the consent of the abutting landowner to remove the trees if they are 6 inches or more in diameter.  However, the landowner's consent is not necessary if the trees constitute a hazardous or dangerous condition or if they impair the use or maintenance of the road.

May the board of supervisors place on the ballot the question of whether or not to raise taxes to fund a police department?

No. there is no provision in law to use a referendum question for such a purpose. The ultimate decision of funding a police department rests with the board of supervisors.  

If you have more questions please call the township at 570.223.8920, and we will be happy to answer your questions.  

Excerpts used with permission from The Pennsylvania Township News magazine.

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Last modified: 07.15.2008  mc

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