Hey, I'm still confused regarding Berkheimer which I paid ages ago after initial confusion when I moved to this area. Do all the townships in this area allocate a portion of this tax to the schools? I was under the assumption all of it went to Middle Smithfield. And as I live in a private community surrounded by state roads, its more of a privilege tax as they don't do anything besides give everyone zoning clearance and collect taxes. You guys/gals think we have it bad, Scranton charges much more!

generally yes - generally 50/50 split.
 

It varies  but yes usually 50/50.   Of course Pocono Moutain Schools are just starting to take their %  and hence   local  taxes will   increase more.
 
If  all the developments were gone,   local taxes and county taxes would jump  up   to cover the additional expenses that would be incurred.  Would it be cheaper for many, yes,  but then   some who have pools,  fitness centers, horses, skiing etc wouldn't have them.    Maybe then  people  would then get together more as a town  but most don't have the facilities for this.

ORIGINAL: gcfab

It varies  but yes usually 50/50.   Of course Pocono Moutain Schools are just starting to take their %  and hence   local  taxes will   increase more.

If  all the developments were gone,   local taxes and county taxes would jump  up   to cover the additional expenses that would be incurred.  Would it be cheaper for many, yes,  but then   some who have pools,  fitness centers, horses, skiing etc wouldn't have them.    Maybe then  people  would then get together more as a town  but most don't have the facilities for this.

True, thats the best thing about private developments, they keep the taxes down by lowering the costs of road maintenance, zoning, snow plows, etc.

ORIGINAL: reggiej

I don't mine paying  the Berkheimer Tax, as I follow the logic in it. What I don't like is that I sent my tax payment in long before April 15th and they still haven't cashed the check. I don't like having a large check sitting out in my account. 
I am envisioning some poor clerk with an in box up to the ceiling and just hasn't gotten to it yet. Next year they'll be getting a money order from me.

 
Just to follpw up, a month later and the check has finally cleared. Money order money order money order.

imo, check is better and cheaper.  you will have physical proof if it was cashed and it will be part of your records.  if lost, easier to place a stop payment on it and reissue a new one.

I rarely write checks now a days. Most of my banking I do online. For the odd duck thats  going to sit on a check for 30 days I'll go to the post office and spend the dollar and change.

judging from your post you don't keep a register.  DANGEROUS!  Be very careful with that.