Midland County awarded $3.3M in state gambling funds for local tax relief

The Mifflin County School District held a budget meeting on May 7, 2025, where key discussions centered on funding increases and property tax relief for residents.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the district's financial history, noting significant funding boosts from previous state budgets under Governor Wolf. The district anticipates a slight increase in basic education funding, budgeting approximately $200,000 more than the previous year. However, uncertainty remains regarding additional advocacy funding proposed by the governor.

A notable highlight was the announcement of a billion dollars certified by the state from gambling revenue, designated for local tax relief. Mifflin County is set to receive $3,348,000, which will contribute to the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion program. This program aims to reduce property taxes for eligible homeowners. Last year, the exclusion amount increased to $282 for approximately 10,000 properties, and with the new funding, residents can expect an additional reduction of about $40 to $45 per property.

The meeting also addressed the potential for a tax increase to the state-mandated index, which could generate nearly $1.6 million in additional revenue for the district. However, the average increase per property would be around $70, a consideration for the board as they plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to financial stability and taxpayer relief, with officials optimistic about the funding landscape for the 2025-2026 school year.