(1/2017) At the December 2016 Borough Council meeting, the Council passed the Tax Levy Ordinance which fixed the Tax Rate at 2.45 mills or 24.5 cents on each one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for 2017. There is no tax increase for the residents of Carroll Valley Borough. Also, without increase, council passed the fixed tax in the amount of .25 mills appropriated for the operation of fire and emergency service for the year 2017.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a drought watch for 30 Pennsylvania counties including Adams County. DEP encourages all citizens to take steps to reduce their water use: (1) Run water only when necessary. Avoid running the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, or letting the shower run for several minutes before use; (2) Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full load and (3) Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full load. For more information and water saving tips go to www.ahs.dep.pa.gov or google PA DEP Drought Watch.

The Carroll Valley Citizens Association (CVCA) Holiday Gala was an overwhelming success with 80 in attendance dining in the Liberty Mountain Resort Highland Lodge Banquet Room. Special thanks to Mary Walter, Marie Schwartz, and all those who helped sell tickets. The "Breakfast with Santa" was also an overwhelming success. Every child who attended were delighted and dazzled when Santa arrived. Approximately 525 breakfasts were served. The money and donated gifts collected benefited the Toy for Tots fund drive and local families with special needs. This event was a cooperative effort of the Carroll Valley July 4th Group, CVCA, Fairfield Fire and EMS and local citizens. Special thanks go to Gayle Marthers, Annie & John Springer, all the volunteers, and especially, Santa Koz. Pictures of both events can be seen at www.ronspictures.net.

With January comes snow and ice which means you need to make sure that you winterized your car. If you haven’t, you need to get it done. Check the car’s tires and tire pressure, the heat/defroster and wipers. Please slow down. If you drive too fast, those antilock brakes will not help you to come to a smooth stop. When driving behind another car, remember to leave more space between your car and the car in front of you. Some experts tell us that this distance is four car lengths for every 10 mph you are traveling. Remember you have less control over your car during bad road conditions. If the Borough declares a Snow Emergency, the roads on the snow emergency route will be cleared first for obvious reasons. Please keep the snow emergency route clear (no park cars, etc.) to make it safe for our road crew to do their job.

A fundraising dinner is being held by the Fairfield Boy Scouts for a sister of one their Eagle Scouts who has some very serious and debilitating health issues. She is signed up to receive a service dog to help her lead a life as normal as possible. The dog will cost $10,000 to obtain, train, and have all the veterinary checks and vaccinations done. A Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction will be held on January 15th (Sunday) from 3 to 7 pm at the Fairfield Fire Hall with a snow date of January 22nd – same place and time. Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, you are invited to spend a semi-formal evening full of music, dancing, food, and fun with the special girl in your lives. Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Daddy Daughter Fairy Picnic scheduled for Saturday February 11th 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Fire & EMS Banquet Hall. Seating is limited. Pre-resignation is required. For more information or to register go to cvj4events@gmail.com or call 717-642-8269.

Borough meetings in January are: Planning Commission (Jan 3rd), , Borough Council (Jan 10th), and Parks/Recreation Committee (Jan 25th). Borough office will be closed on January 2nd. If you want to check on the visual status of the new building construction go to www.carrollvalley.org and click on the appropriate link. Please reduce your speed to make sure you, your loved ones, your friends and neighbors will be safe. If you have any questions call me at 301-606-2021 or email MayorRonHarris@comcast.net.