NEW CASTLE —
Residents who plan to build homes in Union Township could be eligible for a tax break.
The Union Area School Board has adopted a resolution authorizing exemption of school property taxes for new home construction assessed at $100,000 or greater.
The exemption also applies to additions or improvements that exceed $50,000.
The tax break, under the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, is retroactive to Jan. 1 this year and expires Dec. 31, 2014.
In either instance, the homeowner must have a valid builder’s permit.
“The board viewed this as an important program for our community,” Dr. Alfonso Angelucci, superintendent said. “It is a way to attract new families to our school district by lessening their tax burden the first few years.”
For new construction, a qualifying homeowner must meet certain requirements, such as obtaining a valid building permit and completing the application process, which then must be approved by the board, business manager Samantha Laverty explained.
The home’s value is based upon assessment, not appraisal, she said.
If homeowners meet the criteria, they will be exempt from paying 80 percent of their taxes the first year, 40 percent for the second year and 20 percent for the third year.
The district originally passed the tax abatement resolution in August, 2002, then extended it until through the past several years and it expired on Dec. 31, 2011.
About 30 homeowners took advantage of the tax breaks, and most of those were for new homes, Laverty said.
Applications for the renewed program are available in the school business office at 2106 Camden Ave.
“We’re hoping to attract new residents to the district,” Angelucci said, adding, “We have a great educational system here.”
(Email: lhudson@ncnewsonline.com.)
Union
Related Photos
Discussion
In The Schools: Union district renews tax break offer
- Union
-
-
Tim Kolodziej: For the Class of 2013, there’s no looking back — promise?
Congratulations, Class of 2013! You made it. Your last history lesson is history. Your last final — final. The unsure children who once needed help to climb the school bus steps will now stride confidently across the stage to receive their diplomas.
-
Former school employee convicted of sex charges
A one-time employee of the Union school district has been convicted of sex-related charges involving a former student. A jury convicted Ronald Dougalewicz Jr., 40, of New Castle of aggravated indecent assault on a child less than 16, indecent assault, two counts of corruption of minors and possession of child pornography.
-
Vo-tech budget loses support
Now there are only two. That is the number of school districts that have approved the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center budget for the 2013-14 year after Union board’s withdrew support this week.
-
High School Basketball: Fadden resigns as Union girls coach
Brian Fadden has resigned as Union High girls basketball coach. The resignation was approved during Monday night’s school board meeting.
-
No tax hike in Union school budget
The Union Area School Board has introduced a $10.6 budget with no tax increase. If the $10,585,494 spending plan is approved, it will be the third year without a tax increase in the district. The property tax is at 14.42 mills.
-
WPIAL Baseball Playoffs: ‘Missed opportunities’ end season for Union
The book is closed on the 2013 Union High baseball team. Those interested in reading the last chapter should turn to the page titled, “Missed Opportunities.” There were plenty of them in the Scotties 5-1 loss to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals at Pullman Park in Butler.
-
High School Basketball: Union grad set to coach Kennedy Catholic girls
Chris Mele is taking his 20 years of coaching experience to Kennedy Catholic High School. Mele, a Union High graduate, was announced yesterday as the head coach of the Lady Golden Eagles basketball team.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the Union High prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, Union High.
-
Union hires principal
Michael Ross has been named the new principal at Union High School. Ross was hired during a special meeting Tuesday night.
-
Union still undecided on tax hike
The Union school board is hoping to avoid a tax increase next year but has not decided yet. During Wednesday’s meeting, Samantha Charles, district business manager, provided an overview of funding for the 2013-14 school year, based on Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget.
- More Union Headlines
-
