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Pennsylvania casinos relieve property taxes

PENNSYLVANIA – As reported by the Meadville Tribune: "Lawmakers approved the legalization of slot machines in Pennsylvania in July 2004, and along with the hopes of increasing tourism within the state's boundaries came promises of $1 billion in annual revenues that would be used to fund programs to reduce property taxes and spur economic development.

"Four years later, thanks to gamblers who have laid down their money in any of the six fully-operational casinos in the state, more than 18,000 homeowners throughout Crawford County will soon open up their property tax bills and witness a rare occurrence: lower taxes.

"But the question is, is the 'relief' that legislators promised to taxpayers living up to their expectations?

"After looking at just how much savings the owners of statistically-average homes in Crawford County will actually experience — between $134 and $175 — some of the local legislators themselves have seen the bottom lines and are disappointed.

"…The homestead and farmstead rebate that Pennsylvania property owners will receive will vary greatly from one school district to another.

"…The reason for the wildly varying figures is that the gaming revenues are being divvied up and delivered to school districts based on a complex formula that, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, was intended to disperse the funds on an 'equitable basis' with the hopes of reducing taxes in communities that carried 'the greatest burden and least local wealth.'…"

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