Neshannock to discuss tax relief act

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Neshannock Township School District will make an effort to educate taxpayers of the district about the proposed Act 72 or homeowner tax relief act.
District Superintendent Dr. Michael Hink briefly explained that it is up to the school board whether to enter the program. Every school district accepting the act would get the opportunity to tap into the state's gambling revenue. But to get the money, the district must also implement an income tax.
According to Hink, it depends on whom you are talking to whether it is a good idea or not.
Senior citizens without wage tax incomes will benefit while renters will not. Hink has designed a PowerPoint presentation scheduled for all residents of the township on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.
In other action, the board gave approval for Eckles Architecture to prepare bid specifications for roof repairs at the high school.
Hink said Eckles has estimated the repair costs at between $50,000 and $80,000. A new roof would cost more than $1.5 million, he said. Eckles told the board that the repairs should extend the life of the roof by two to five years. Work will begin at the end of school year.
The board also created a director of technology services position at the December meeting and began advertising for the position.
On Thursday the board approved a screening committee. The committee will consist of Mark Ferrara, James Dailey, Frank Rondinelli, Joseph Gierlach, Cheryl Kimmel and Mary Jo Coyne.
The committee will meet Jan. 19 to begin screening the applicants. Hink said so far the district has received 24 interested applicants.