A growing number of Pennsylvania school districts are saving taxpayers thousands of dollars a year -- not by cutting taxes, but by paying less to collect the tax, in some cases hiring a bank to do the work.

The goal sounds simple enough. But in a state where tax collectors are generally elected, it isn't.

School districts can't unilaterally eliminate tax collectors, so they must provide an incentive -- or disincentive, depending on your perspective -- through an ultimatum: Work at the lower rate or let us decide how to collect the tax.

''They're asking us to vacate the position,'' said Diane Telly, Hilltown Township tax collector, who acts as spokeswoman for the eight Pennridge collectors. ''You're elected by the public to do the job. That's why we do have to take it to court.''