For more years than many people can remember Helen Mackes was the Eldred Township tax collector. Even though the retired Realtor was well into her 80s, she kept at it. A little over a year ago Mackes stepped down as tax collector. Although she still remains on the planning commission and the historical society, she decided it was time for a break.

Mackes still had time remaining on her elected position as tax collector when she resigned. The Eldred Township supervisors had to appoint her replacement. The supervisors chose Laura Hoffman. Hoffman who is now into her second year, has notified the township that she will not be seeking re-election to the position."Nobody realizes how much work it is," Mackes said. "I was always available, even when I didn't have office hours, especially if it was during a discount period. People just don't realize how much goes into it. And I did it the old-fashioned way, I didn't use a computer."Mackes was vocal at Wednesday's supervisors meeting when Chairwomen Mary Ann Clausen read the resolution setting the compensation for 2018 tax collector at 4.5 percent of money collected."Why, why would you do that," Mackes said. "It has been 5 percent since the 1940s. You don't make any sense."Clausen said that even though the percentage is lower than neighboring townships, the tax bills are higher on average because the millage rate in Eldred is higher. "If you do the math," Clausen said. "The 0.5 percent is equal to about $1,200."Ordinance droppedThe supervisors also voted to drop the proposed animal husbandry ordinance.After a few complaints by some residential property owners to the township about agricultural odors and other farming practices, the township had asked the solicitor to draft a proposed ordinance regulating some farming activities. The proposed ordinance was sent to the planning commission for review.The response was complete disagreement with the proposal."I just can't fathom how a rural community is going to be told how they can live to accommodate others that have chosen to move in around them," said Glen Beers, chairman of the Agricultural Preservation Board of Monroe County. "Eldred Township was settled by farmers."Clausen said the supervisors had not had an opportunity to review the proposed ordinance before it was sent to the planning commission for review."We could only consider adopting a plan that would improve the life of residential property owners if it does not burden farmers," Clausen read from a prepared statement."Who instigated this? Are they here? Do they bother to come to an open meeting?" asked Archie Craig. "Why can't they express their concern in public, and why do you draft an ordinance, I am sure it cost money, without more input from residents."Other businessAlso during the meeting, the Kunkletown Rod and Gun Club requested that the township relinquish the easement it holds on the old rail bed that runs through the club's property."We want to eliminate public use of the trails," said Randy Wiese. "People use the trails and wander off the trails during hunting season, and we don't want to see anything bad happen."Wiese said hunting season is roughly all year long in one form or another. Only club members are permitted to hunt on the club's property.Solicitor Michael Gaul suggested that the club send a formal request to the township so that the members can consider it.Last year,the Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company made a request for a one-time expenditure of $25,000 for protective gear. On Wednesday,the township gave the fire company $10,000 for the purchase of the gear.