The Allentown School District finance committee approved a homestead/farmstead exclusion resolution and moved forward an item to appoint a voting delegate and alternate to the Lehigh County Tax Collection Committee.

Mr. Cuff clarified how the homestead/farmstead exclusion works: the program reduces property tax bills for homeowners who have certified their property as a primary residence through the county. "Once you receive your tax bill, if you have claimed your house as your primary residence, this is the money that comes as a result of the revenue source on gambling money," Mr. Cuff said, explaining the program’s funding source as allocated state dollars. He added homeowners must apply to the county and that the application window is typically in the fall, though he said he would confirm an exact date.

On the delegate item, the committee approved appointing the district’s representative to the Lehigh County Tax Collection Committee and an alternate; committee discussion named Jesse Walke as the new executive director of finance who starts in July and who would represent the district.

Both items carried by voice vote and will be forwarded to the full board for final action.