The council in this Delaware County community passed a budget Friday night that raises taxes 34.7 percent, about $270 extra per year for the average homeowner.
"I don't know what happened in the last couple of years, but apparently it got out of hand and no one seems to be responsible," said Dick Goldborough of Norwood.
Republicans assumed control of council this year, and say financial mismanagement of the past forced them to take such drastic measures.
"We are going to be bankrupt by March 15th and the Democrats don't want to admit there's a problem here," said Borough Council President Dave Kowalski (R).
One of the three Democrats who voted against the budget says Norwood's financial problems are overstated, and the tax increases could be spread out.
"There's been a lot of finger-pointing, a lot of blame, but we're all accountable. We come here, we sit in every meeting every month, and if anyone says they've been left in the dark that's a patently false statement," said Councilwoman Eileen Baker (D).
Norwood only has about 5,700 residents. Its geographic size is less than a square mile. It does not have a big industry for a tax base, so its residents will feel the biggest pinch.
One retiree said, to afford this tax, he'll have to dip into his savings.
"There's nothing a little person can do about it. You can vote them out, but the next guy's as bad as the guy that's in there," said Paul Unger.
Given its size, Norwood continues to look for ways to consolidate its services with neighboring municipalities.
Lawmakers hope the tax increase won't mean further consolidation of the population.
