Even better than zero - a DV tax cut

WESTFALL — In addition to an already announced zero-tax increase budget, Delaware Valley taxpayers will be getting a break of almost $400 each from the state. School Board President Robert Goldsack said he was told Friday that first-time slot machine, gaming revenues in the state’s tax reduction program would provide the district some $2.986 million, equalling individual tax reductions of $379 for every DV taxpayer. Last month, the board of education announced that the district’s 2008-09 budget would not require any tax increase. These new revenues go beyond that goal, Goldsack said. “It’s not just zero-increase; we’re really seeing a reduction in taxes,” he said. School board members will finalize the budget in June, he said. With the May 1 announcement, some 501 school districts will receive money from state gaming revenues to fund property tax relief for the coming fiscal year. The total payout to districts is $612.9 million. Pike’s revenue total was middle-of-the- road value in the region. Wallenpaupack Area will receive $1,356,629.03, for a $186 credit per taxpayer, while East Stroudsburg pulls in $4,347,611.02, translating to a $403 credit on a district tax bill. “Homeowners in Pike and Monroe counties are especially affected by high property taxes due to growth in the area,” said state Rep. John Siptroth. “I’m pleased that the amount of estimated relief they will receive from gaming revenues is nearly three times the state average,” he added. Siptroth noted that this is the first year of slots-funded relief and that since more gaming revenues are expected to be available next year, the amount of relief should be even greater. He also noted that homeowners will not receive their relief allocation in the form of a check from the state, but rather will begin to see a reduction in their property tax bills. Gaming revenue is just one vehicle to reduce school property taxes. Siptroth has introduced legislation (H.R. 460) aimed at reforming the entire school funding formula so that growing school districts, like those in Monroe and Pike counties, would receive more funding without school boards burdening homeowners. Siptroth also added that he supports using a shift to the sales tax for further school property tax reductions. For more on the state tax reduction program, visit the Web site, www.pde.state.pa.us/proptax.