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If the Board opts in millage increases will be capped by the Department of Education at an annual index. The only way that the Board can increase millage beyond the index is via a referendum or approval of an “exception” to the referendum. The E.I.T. may only be raised higher than the original .1% increase via voter referendum.
I have lived in many school districts across the country. This district needs tax relief. It’s high? Why is that? Our student population increases by 3 -3.5% per year. State funding has not consistently kept up with the growth, therefore the burden falls on the local taxpayer. Other districts have industry that helps defray some of the impact on residents. Pleasant Valley does not have the industry to help in this regard.
If the anticipated funding is not available, the amount of the tax reduction available to residents will decrease. You will need to review your assessment exemption to determine the level of property tax reduction.
The school board would like more time to make this major decision, but that doesn’t appear likely. Between now and May 30th they will listen to comments from taxpayers and continue to study the issue so that they may make the best decision possible for our district.
By researching other states with gambling, they believe the Pennsylvania will be able to achieve this goal.
Act 72 is not a school funding law. State and Federal funding may or may not decrease, but that should not be a function of Act 72.
Because that is the way that Act 72 is written. The remainder is dedicated to other areas (casino operations, economic development, host municipality, etc).
No.
Yes, I have talked to many other superintendents in the county and across the state. Every one of them has said the same thing. They will wait until as close to the deadline as possible and then make the best decision possible. Only Delaware Valley School District in our area has made a decision and that is to opt out. 11. To Representative Tigue – Why can’t profits form gambling just be applied to state subsidies to all school districts. Therefore lowering the needs for schools to raise taxes and henceforth lower everyone real estate taxes. This is a complicated law. There were many proposals out there, but this is the one that had enough support to pass. It was important that it included a “referendum” to help curb future increases in taxes.
Actually, Act 71 which is currently being challenged authorizes using gaming profits to reduce property taxes. Act 72 is not a school revenue law. It is about state gaming allocations for property tax reduction.
Legislators feel that Act 72 is allowing local residents to have a “say” if they want to increase taxes to fund schools and how that revenue will be obtained. 14. Can a district opt out after a period? No. Once you are in you may not opt out for at least 4 years and then only via a voter referendum.
The original EIT increase of .1% will remain the same unless voters approve to increase it or establish a PIT. (Personal Income Tax).
Although future construction would be permitted, most building projects will be approved by the voters.
It all depends. It is a provision of Act 72, but if a district budget falls below the index, no referendum is mandated. Also, if the district qualifies for one or more of the exceptions, a referendum may not occur.
We have already incurred mailing costs for the Homestead Exception applications, although there is proposed legislation to reimburse districts for same. With the advent of “referendum” the district may need to hire a public relations director to continually provide our residents with information about our district, so that they make informed decisions. Also, the current tax collection system would need to be revised, incurring additional costs. Finally, there will be legal costs incurred to file exceptions to referendums with the Court of Common Pleas.
If $1 billion in profits is achieved, the projected tax relief is approximately $815.
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