The EIT Saved Morrisville — But Where’s the Accountability?

In our last post, we looked at why Morrisville needed the Earned Income Tax (EIT). It wasn’t reckless — it was responsible. The EIT gave the Borough a lifeline, a fairer tax structure, and the stability to start planning for the future.

But raising revenue is only half the job. The other half is making sure the money is used openly, wisely, and with public trust. That’s where things have started to break down. 

A Strong Start: 2023–2024 Budgets

When the EIT first came in, it was handled responsibly.

•    In 2023, residents were told clearly how the revenue would be used to benefit the Borough.

•    For the 2024 budget, $750,000 was set aside in a capital reserve fund — the first time in years Morrisville had a real financial cushion.

This was the promise of the EIT: transparency, stability, and planning for the basics.

The Shift in 2024: From Transparency to Secrecy

That changed when control of Council — and the budget — shifted in 2024. Spending decisions became harder to follow. Public explanations became thinner. And residents were left asking: where is the EIT money actually going?

Who Opposed It, Who Spends It

Here’s the irony:

•    The majority of our current Council either voted against the EIT or publicly opposed it.

•    Now, those same officials are spending EIT revenue freely — without clear plans, cost details, or community input.

If you’re willing to spend the money, you should be willing to account for it. 

Process Matters: Why Public Engagement Counts

This isn’t just about dollars and cents — it’s about the way decisions are made.

•    Big-ticket projects move forward quickly, often with little scrutiny.

•    Small, community-driven efforts face delay or resistance.

•    Budget documents lack detail and consistency.

•    Past planning studies are ignored, and no broader vision is shared.

This isn’t what responsible governance looks like. Morrisville residents deserve more than “trust us.”

The Bottom Line: Leadership Means Accountability

The EIT saved Morrisville from financial collapse. It gave us the tools to fund services fairly and plan for the future. But now, a new problem has taken hold: a refusal to show the public how this money is being used.

Real leadership means more than spending revenue. It means:

•    Transparency — clear budgets, detailed costs.

•    Accountability — elected officials explaining their choices.

•    Engagement — residents included in the process.

Morrisville can afford transparency. It’s the one investment that always pays back in trust.