Harmony Township is getting a reimbursement of more than $75,000 in penalty fees from the Internal Revenue Service.
advertisement Glenn Angus, commissioners’ chairman, said the township 2015 reimbursement from the IRS includes interest.
In all, the township received $75,994.45. Harmony Manager Janet Miklos said the funds can be used to benefit the residents through parks, recycling and more.
“This money can go directly back to the people,” Miklos said.
Township officials said former secretary Lyla Swan was supposed to file paperwork with the IRS, but never did, though officials said they were assured everything had been handled.
The penalties started in 2009 based on the performance of the former township secretary and continued through third quarter 2013.
Swan, a township employee for more than 30 years, is currently facing charges accused of stealing more than $190,000 from the township over eight years. She is awaiting the continuation of a trial next month, according to court records.
Harmony sent a letter to the IRS last year addressing the criminal charges against Swan and requested that $73,044 in fees that were paid be refunded.
After explaining the situation, Police Chief Jim Essek said the office of U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus provided a taxpayer advocate, who successfully helped mediate on behalf of the township.
Angus thanked Miklos, Essek, Rothfus, Solicitor Rick Start, and former interim manager Virginia Finnegan for their help.
“I would like to thank everyone involved … who helped us receive your tax dollars back,” Angus said.
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In all, the township received $75,994.45. Harmony Manager Janet Miklos said the funds can be used to benefit the residents through parks, recycling and more.
“This money can go directly back to the people,” Miklos said.
Township officials said former secretary Lyla Swan was supposed to file paperwork with the IRS, but never did, though officials said they were assured everything had been handled.
The penalties started in 2009 based on the performance of the former township secretary and continued through third quarter 2013.
Swan, a township employee for more than 30 years, is currently facing charges accused of stealing more than $190,000 from the township over eight years. She is awaiting the continuation of a trial next month, according to court records.
Harmony sent a letter to the IRS last year addressing the criminal charges against Swan and requested that $73,044 in fees that were paid be refunded.
After explaining the situation, Police Chief Jim Essek said the office of U.S. Rep. Keith Rothfus provided a taxpayer advocate, who successfully helped mediate on behalf of the township.
Angus thanked Miklos, Essek, Rothfus, Solicitor Rick Start, and former interim manager Virginia Finnegan for their help.
“I would like to thank everyone involved … who helped us receive your tax dollars back,” Angus said.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Like Ambridge Connection on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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