TESD Eyes Getting Money on Tax-Empt Property

Facing a projected budget shortfall of as much as $16 million or more in just a few more years, the Tredyffrin-Easttown School Board is looking at ways to possibly get money out of tax-exempt properties in the school district.

According to district officials there is over $366 million worth of taxes tied up in tax-exempt properties owned by churches, schools, and other non-profit organizations.

The issue is on the agenda for Monday night's School Board Finance Committee meeting.  According to the agenda (click on the pdf) the committee will discuss ways to challenge the tax status of some properties and also how to approach non profit property owners about making payments "in lieu of taxes."

The committe's minutes on this subject from the March meeting reads:

The Committee discussed not for profit organizations and their exempt status for property taxes. Also discussed was the idea of tax exempt properties making payments in lieu of property taxes. Mr. McDonnell noted that there is over $366 million in exempt property assessment in the District. The Committee discussed how to challenge the not for profit status of these properties and how should these property owners be approached to request payments in lieu of taxes. The Committee asked that these strategies be added to the list for the next meeting.

That next meeting is Tonight (Monday April 9)  at 7 p.m. in the T/E School District Administration Building.

The committee's agenda includes a time for public comments.

What do you think about seeking tax money from non-profits that are currently exempt from property taxes? 

Tell us in the comments section at the bottom of the article.