Commissioners grant tax‑exempt status under new law to two granges and a Masonic temple

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners on July 22 approved resolutions recognizing tax‑exempt status for three fraternal and civic organizations under a 2023 amendment to state law. Chief Assessor Bruce Peterson explained that the General Assembly added fraternal organizations to the Purely Public Charity Act and made such organizations eligible for exemption if they meet statutory criteria. The three entities in front of the board were the Mahoning Valley Grange (Mahoning Township), the Liberty Grange (Scott Township), and the Masonic Temple Association of Ellwood City (510 Crescent Avenue in Ellwood City). Peterson said the statutory criteria include provisions such as a lengthy period of existence (discussed in the meeting as 100 years), limits on alcohol sales or holding a liquor license, and community‑service commitments. He also noted related appeals and litigation had been resolved or addressed and that similar decisions in other counties (a Dauphin County decision was mentioned) informed the county’s review. The board approved resolutions 199, 200 and 201 by roll call. Commissioners and staff discussed eligibility conditions and that the entities had applied under the statute; the assessor confirmed they met the requirements in the county’s assessment process.