Cheltenham Township is planning to take over part of its independently run tax office amid a dispute with finance officer Melvin Pitts over business data, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Pitts, who took office in January, inherited—and his since cleared—a $30,000 backlog in business licenses. Cheltenham “plans to amend the township code and reassign one of Pitts’ duties to help resolve the impasse”.

“Cheltenham’s tax office is independent from the township and collects county, school district, and municipal taxes for a flat fee from each entity,” The Inquirer wrote. “The tax collector, under the township code, also doubles as Cheltenham’s finance officer and issues the town’s annual $15 business licenses.”

The story states that board president Matthew Areman asked Pitts for a list of licensed businesses in early 2026. In August, Pitts was asked for similar data to fulfill a Right-to-Know request. He told The Inquirer he denied both requests because he sees the information as confidential taxpayer information.

The Inquirer said the tax office is exempt from Right-to-Know requests but “may provide certain data, such as high-level reports, as an officer of the township.” Township solicitor Ed Diasio reportedly told Pitts in February there is no township provision “that a list of businesses that the township has licensed in the township is not subject to public access.”

Glenside Local contacted Pitts by email twice in February without response. On March 6, we gave him a call to request list of business privilege tax information regarding local shops and restaurants soon to open in the township.

Pitts replied “I can’t.” We asked what that means and did not receive a direct answer. Pitts asked if other townships provide that information. We said yes, all are cooperative when asked.

He replied, “This office won’t be doing that.”

Public information officer Lauren Walter told The Inquirer that operating without business license data makes “communication with our business community a challenge” because there is no straightforward means to confirm which businesses are actually up and running.

The township is planning to transfer business licensing applications to a currently vacant accounts receivable position which would require Cheltenham to amend the town code, The Inquirer said. The position is expected to be posted in the coming weeks.

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