Posted by Brady on October 03, 2004 at 10:50:44 (PST):
I am in the process of building a new house in West Franklin Township. I will not pay school taxes for two years under the current tax abatement program and I think it is a great thing, however, after the two year period expires my taxes are going to be outrageous!! I realize that our local economy is in the crapper but how can we expect people to want to build a life here if they get "punished" with extremely high school taxes. I could drive a couple miles down the road, buy a piece of property and build a house and my taxes would be less than half of what they will be in the Armstrong School District. Isn't there something that can be done about this?????? Why are our taxes comparable to that of residents of Fox Chapel or Shady Side???? If this area is in the dumps, then why do charge people so much to live here?????? Just for example, my good friend just finished a new 1500 square foot, 3 bedroom house in the middle of a relatively remote area just outside of Kittanning. By no means is this prime country club property. His taxes are upwards of $5,000 per year!!!!! That's $417.00 a month!! He could have afforded to build two houses in another school district!!! CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF THERE IS RELIEF IN SIGHT?? WHO IS GETTING RICH OFF OF US HARDWORKING TAXPAYERS IN ARMSTRONG COUNTY??