Midland County Board Discusses Clean and Green Tax Rollback for Fire Company Land Sale

A complex discussion surrounding tax implications for a local fire company took center stage at the Mifflin County School District Board meeting on August 21, 2025. The board grappled with the ramifications of a property sale involving the Stolfus family, who sold three acres of land previously classified under Pennsylvania's "Clean and Green" program, which offers tax breaks for agricultural land.

The crux of the debate revolved around a rollback tax provision triggered by the sale. According to the assessment office, the Stolfus family owes approximately $23,000 in taxes that were previously waived while the land was under the Clean and Green designation. This situation raises questions about whether the local taxing bodies—Granville Township, Mifflin County, and the school district—should accept this rollback money or exercise their discretion to forgo it, as allowed by state law when the property is conveyed to a volunteer fire company.

Board members expressed concerns about setting a precedent. If they choose to waive the rollback taxes for the Stolfus family, it could lead to similar requests from other property owners in the future, potentially complicating the board's decision-making process. "If you do it for one, others will ask why not for them," one member noted, highlighting the delicate balance between supporting local fire services and maintaining equitable tax practices.

The discussion also touched on the unusual nature of this case, as it involves a voluntary fire company rather than typical development scenarios. Members acknowledged the complexities of the law and the potential implications for future property transactions. "This is an unusual circumstance because it was a voluntary fire company," one board member remarked, emphasizing the need for careful consideration.

As the meeting concluded, board members agreed to gather more information before making a final decision. The outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for local tax policy and community support for volunteer fire services in the region.