Upper Hanover's tax collector says he didn't understand the questions of his residency at last week's board of supervisors meeting. Matthew Kells described it as much ado about nothing.  "It's weird," he said early Monday afternoon.

            Kells, who has had the job for 15 years, claims he has lived at 803 Gravel Pike for 35 years. He said he takes his job as tax collector seriously.

            An article in April 14 edition of the Town and Country newspaper, regarding where Kells lives, caught him by surprise. Residency in the township is required for any elected official.

            Questions from a township resident to the board during a March meeting, appear to have sparked the discussion during the April 12 meeting. Solicitor Joseph Bresnan said Kell's wife, Tracey, had posted about a new house in Berks County and plans to move there.

            Bresnan said earlier this month that further investigation was needed. Kells said he received a letter and an email message from the solicitor on the matter.

            On Monday, Kells confirmed that the couple recently bought an investment property in Dryville, located in Rockland Township. He said it was purchased it last fall with the proceeds from their sale of a vacation home in the Poconos.

            The tax collector acknowledged the existence of a post on social media last fall by his wife announcing the purchase. The post does not currently appear on her homepage.

            Kells said they are planning to move out of Upper Hanover, and into the Berks County home, once his current four-year term expires at the end of 2025. He was re-elected the township's tax collector in November.

            According to Kells, the couple doesn't sleep in the home in the Palm section of the township every night. He said they spend some weekends at the Berks County home, which is currently being renovated.

            Kells hosts office hours at his home office on Tuesday, Thursday and by appointment. He holds office hours at The Vineyards, an age-restricted community in the township, and goes to people's homes.  "I take my job very seriously," Kells said.

            Tracey and Matthew Kells are listed as the property owners of 801 and 803 Gravel Pike, according to information posted on the Montgomery County Property Records website.