Hospital sale gives Ridley Park good revenue news

RIDLEY PARK » The 2016 and 2017 real estate assessment of Taylor Hospital, which is part of the Crozer-Keystone Health System now owned by a for-profit company, means the borough will see $485,000 in actual tax dollars coming in with the agreement of the real estate assessment matter. But council President Bob Berger cautioned at council’s July meeting that 25 percent of that amount must be placed in escrow in the event the company decides to appeal the assessment.

Before the sale of the local health system to a California company a few years ago, hospitals in the system operated as non-profit institutions and were not subject to real estate taxes. There are five hospitals in Delaware County CKHS.

In another bit of good financial news, Councilwoman Samantha Snow reported the borough has received a $13,500 state recycling grant, prompting Berger to note the grant was for the year 2014.

“It was a slow process on the part of the state,” Berger said. “There is a possibility we will see the 2016 grant this year.” operated by the

Councilman Mike Gale issued an appeal for volunteers to help with the beautification program that has seen the planting of flowers in several areas of the borough. He noted the program has plans for a fall planting project. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the borough office.

Berger announced a special Red Cross blood drive from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 10 that will coincide with the weekly farmer’s market that takes place on Ward Street in front of the borough firehouse and the borough hall on Thursdays from midJune to early September. Berger said at least 40 volunteers are needed for the blood drive and as of now, only five people have signed on.

Pre-registeration to can be done on Cross website. be a donor the Red