Lower Towamensing Township officials were asked this year to explore the possibility of creating an amusement tax on Blue Mountain Resort.

However, retired Blue Mountain Resort chief executive officer and minority owner Barb Green urged supervisors to be proactive in generating additional revenue, including considering alternatives to an amusement tax. Green asked what opportunities exist to create more jobs that could increase township revenue.

The township has been discussing an amusement tax since July, when residents Rich and Connie Banko raised the idea. Township Solicitor Jim Nanovic has been drafting a proposed amusement tax ordinance to send to tax collection firm Berkheimer.

In August, Takerer said he received a call from Blue Mountain regarding a potential donation.

Supervisors said that doesn’t mean the tax is off the table. Banko said Blue Mountain hosts events year-round unrelated to skiing. He said the resort grossed $72.4 million last year and questioned why buildings and trailers on the property are not being assessed.

Banko also noted that when the resort was known as Little Gap Ski Area, founder and former president Ray Tuthill contributed $25,000 annually to the township.

Following a supervisors meeting earlier this month, Green said the $25,000 was designated for township recreation projects such as Stoney Ridge Park and Recreation Center and the Aquashicola Playground.

“Since the completion of these recreation projects, the resort has spent comparable amounts on sewer plant design and engineering in support of the township sewer project,” Green said. She also noted the resort recently donated $5,000 to the Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company for firefighter gear and said requests for local support are often fulfilled. Green added that the corporation does not pay an amusement tax anywhere else.

Rich Banko said the Aquashicola Fire Company and Palmerton Area School District could benefit from additional funding.

Aquashicola Fire Company member Brent Green cited past donations of labor and supplies from the resort.

Resident Ralph Cortazzo added that visitors come to the area and spend a good amount of money, and said that to charge them a dollar more a ticket wouldn’t be too much to ask.