Supervisors seek info for ordinance

“We are using satellite imagery to access the campgrounds. As best as I can tell, there are 25 campgrounds in Juniata Township. They consist of anywhere between one to 150 camps,” said Stein, noting he’s been working in coordination with the county tax assessment office.

In the survey, the supervisors are gathering information on campsite rates.

“Rates per night, rates per week, I’d like to know that kind of information,” said Stein. “A lot of this information you can get online, but unfortunately most camps don’t have websites. They are often heard about through signs or word of mouth.”

The survey also includes other questions.

“I’d like to know if each campground has its own sewage pumping station. I am interested in knowing which campgrounds give you access to renting RVs, trailers and boats. I also want to know how long the season lasts at each site,” he said.

Stein plans to send the data he collects to the campgrounds to gain feedback to adjust rates for the amusement tax.

“We’ve had this discussion before. I ran some numbers and I’m hoping next summer, significant money from the amusement tax ordinance will come in,” said Stein.

The township’s existing amusement tax ordinance was enacted in September 2019. The amusement tax is expected to go into effect in 2023.

“In September the questionnaire will be sent out. We will use the opportunity to allow campgrounds to get ahead of the ordinance and adjust rates accordingly,” said Stein. “We need time to make sure they’re all set up and prepared. Reservations start as early as Jan. 1, so I want all of the campgrounds to know that it’s coming.”

The amusement tax ordinance discussion started after a resort was proposed on the edge of the township. After that plan was halted, ordinance conversations were put on hold.

“There are still folks flying under the radar that we need to be in contact with so they can adjust rental prices. The purpose of the amusement tax ordinance is to avoid taxing residents,” said Stein.

Also Tuesday night, Stein said the township should be receiving federal recovery funds to cover damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021.

“We originally thought the aid we would receive would be close to $45,000 but it’s unfortunately going to be lower. We don’t currently have an exact number but we should find out soon,” he said, noting this is first time the township has applied for any federal funding.

During public comment, resident Carl Grove asked a question regarding meeting minutes. He said it was stated during a meeting that the proposed Ridgeview Campground would not have permanent sites. He said it was a meeting where there were 25-30 people present, but he’s not been able to located that statement in minutes dating back to September 2021.

Joe can be reached at dnews@huntingdondailynews.com.