C.D. schools: Tax shift in the works

A local tax issue will be on the agenda at tonight's Central Dauphin school board meeting (7 pm, East High School's lecture hall, 626 Rutherford Road).

The board intends to adopt a resolution to put a question on the May 15 election ballot that asks voters whether they want to increase the district's earned income tax from 1.5 percent to 2 percent, and use the increased revenue to lower property taxes.

If approved, the local tax deduction on paychecks would go from 2 percent to 2.5 percent, with the school district getting 2 percent and Lower Paxton Township getting 0.5 percent.

To get school property tax relief, property owners would need to file a homestead application with Dauphin County.

All school districts in Pennsylvania are going through this process as required by a state law adopted last year. CLICK HERE for information on the Act 1 property tax relief program.

I'll keep an eye out for news stories related to this tax issue.

In a related matter, CLICK HERE for an article about the Central Dauphin School District's tentative 2007-2008 budget that includes a 6 percent property tax increase.
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Hat tip to Eileen Hurley of SWAN (Stray Winds Area Neighbors) for the news tip.