Budget Northern Cambria School District

1 budget

1.1 state basic education funding

1.1.1 accountability block grants
1.1.2 ready learn grant
1.1.3 prek counts grant
1.1.4 classrooms future grant
1.1.5 science it’s elementary grant
1.1.6 education assistance grant
1.1.7 hybrid learning grants


1.2 other grants
1.3 federal stimulus grant

1.3.1 race top grant


1.4 common cents state initiative
1.5 local services tax
1.6 real estate taxes

1.6.1 act 1 adjusted index
1.6.2 property tax relief

budget

pennsylvania public school districts budget , expend funds according procedures mandated general assembly , pennsylvania department of education (pde). annual operating budget prepared school district administrative officials. uniform form furnished pde , submitted board of school directors approval prior beginning of each fiscal year on july 1.

under pennsylvania’s taxpayer relief act, act 1 of special session of 2006, school districts of first class a, second class, third class , fourth class must adopt preliminary budget proposal. proposal must include estimated revenues , expenditures , proposed tax rates. proposed budget must considered board no later 90 days prior date of election preceding fiscal year. preliminary budget proposal must printed , made available public inspection @ least 20 days prior adoption. board of school directors may hold public hearing on budget, not required so. board must give @ least 10 days’ public notice of intent adopt final budget according act 1 of 2006.

the latest teacher union contract governs years 2014-2018 inclusive. taxpayers pay 100% of cost of employee s health insurance. there limited spousal coverage. in 2013, average teacher salary in northern cambria school district $55,643.08 year. district employed 114 teachers top salary of $102,500. northern cambria school district teacher , administrator retirement benefits equal @ least 2.00% x final average salary x total credited service. (some teachers benefits utilize 2.50% benefit factor.) after 40 years of service, teacher can retire 100% of average salary of final 3 years of employment. according study conducted @ american enterprise institute, in 2011, public school teachers’ total compensation 50 percent higher receive in private sector. study found generous benefits teachers receive not accounted in many studies of compensation including: pension, retiree health benefits , job security.

in 2009, northern cambria school district reported employing 96 teachers , administrators median salary of $60,537 , top salary of $122,120. teacher’s work day 7.5 hours 184 days in contract year. additionally, teachers receive defined benefit pension, health insurance, professional development reimbursement, 2 paid personal days, 10 paid sick days, paid bereavement leave, paid sabbatical leave (50% of salary , benefits 1 year) , other benefits. of 2007, pennsylvania ranked in top 10 states in average teacher salaries. when adjusted cost of living pennsylvania ranked fourth in nation teacher compensation.

administrative spending northern cambria school district administrative costs per pupil in 2008 $631.64 per pupil. lowest administrative cost per pupil in pennsylvania $398 per pupil. pennsylvania school boards association collects , maintains statistics on salaries of public school district employees in pennsylvania. according association s report, superintendents , administrators receive benefit package commensurate offered district s teachers union. in 2013, high school principal, joy tibbott moved administrative offices director of education part of lawsuit settlement. hold position through 2014-15 school year.

per-pupil spending in 2008, northern cambria school district administration reported per-pupil spending $11,562 ranked 333rd among pennsylvania s 501 public school districts. in 2010, district’s per-pupil spending had increased $13,064.59. in 2013, per-pupil spending reported $13,030.59. in 2011, pennsylvania’s per-pupil spending $13,467, ranking 6th in united states. in 2007, pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures reported $12,759.

the u.s. census bureau reported pennsylvania spent $8,191 per pupil in school year 2000-01. in 2007, pennsylvania per pupil total expenditures reported $12,759. among fifty states, pennsylvania’s total per pupil revenue (including sources) ranked 11th @ $15,023 per student, in 2008-09. pennsylvania’s total revenue per pupil rose $16,186 ranking 9th in nation in 2011.

reserves in 2008, northern cambria school district reported balance of $1,463,867, in unreserved-undesignated fund. unreserved-designated fund balance reported zero. in 2010, northern cambria school district administration reported increase $1,879,629 in unreserved-undesignated fund balance. district reported 0 in unreserved-designated fund in 2010. pennsylvania public school district reserve funds divided 2 categories – designated , undesignated. undesignated funds not committed planned project. designated funds , other funds, such capital reserves, allocated specific projects. school districts required state law keep 5 percent of annual spending in undesignated reserve funds preserve bond ratings. according pennsylvania department of education, 2003 2010, whole, pennsylvania school districts amassed $3 billion in reserved funds. in 2005, total reserve funds held pennsylvania public school districts $1.9 billion. 2013, reserves held pennsylvania public school districts, whole, had increased on $3.8 billion. 2013, northern cambria school district reported having $1,429,556 in reserves.

tax exemptions in 2002, northern cambria school board gave several tax exemptions norcam group former miners hospital complex in borough of northern cambria. in 2009 northern cambria community development corp. owed $136,533on former miners hospital property. land listed on cambria county delinquent property tax sale list.

state audits in january 2014, pennsylvania auditor general conducted performance audit of district. findings reported school board , district’s administration. findings found significant issues conflict of interest ethics violations school board member. in august 2010, auditor general wagner found district had corrected issues regarding failing bill nonresident students tuition.

tuition students live within northern cambria school district s attendance area may choose attend 1 of pennsylvania s 157 public charter schools. student living in neighboring public school district or foreign exchange student may seek admission northern cambria school district. these cases, pennsylvania department of education sets annual tuition rate each school district. amount public school district pays charter school each resident student attends charter , amount nonresident student s parents must pay attend northern cambria school district schools. 2013 tuition rates elementary school - $9,060, high school - $9,992.

northern cambria school district funded combination of: local services tax - $5, local earned income tax 0.5%, per capita taxes, public utility taxes, property tax, real estate transfer tax 0.5%, coupled substantial funding commonwealth of pennsylvania , small amount, 10% of budget federal government. grants can provide opportunity supplement school funding without raising local taxes. interest earnings on accounts provide nontax income district. in commonwealth of pennsylvania, pension income , social security income exempted state personal income tax , local earned income tax, regardless of level of individual’s personal wealth. average pennsylvania public school teacher pension in 2011 exceeds $60,000 year plus receive federal social security benefits: both free of pennsylvania state income tax , local income tax funds local public schools.

state basic education funding

according report representative todd stephens office, northern cambria school district receives 75.6% of annual revenue state. exceeds goal of state providing 50% of district funding.

for 2014-15 school year, northern cambria school district received $8,469,189 in state basic education funding. district received $96,043 in new ready learn block grant. state’s enacted education budget includes $5,526,129,000 2014-2015 basic education funding. education budget includes accountability block grant funding @ $100 million , $241 million in new ready learn funding public schools focus on student achievement , academic success. state paying $500.8 million social security on school employees behalf , $1.16 billion state teachers pension system (psers). in total, pennsylvania’s education budget k-12 public schools $10 billion. $305 million increase on 2013-2014 state spending , greatest amount ever allotted commonwealth public schools.

in 2013-2014 school year, northern cambria school district received 1.2% increase or $8,469,774 in pennsylvania basic education funding. $99,162 more 2012-13 state bef district. additionally, northern cambria school district received $93,819 in accountability block grant funding focus on academic achievement , level funding special education services. among public school districts in cambria county, westmont hilltop school district received highest percentage increase in bef @ 2.5%. district had option of applying several additional state , federal grants increase revenues. commonwealth’s budget increased basic education funding statewide $123 million on $5.5 billion. of pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts received increase of basic education funding in range of 0.9% 4%. 8 public school districts received exceptionally high funding increases of 10% 16%. highest increase in state funding awarded austin area school district received 22.5% increase in basic education funding. highest percent of state spending per student in chester-upland district, 78 percent comes state coffers. in philadelphia, 49 percent. part of education budget, state provided psers (pennsylvania school employee pension fund) $1,017,000,000 , social security payments school employees of $495 million.

for 2012-13 school year, northern cambria school district received $8,370,612 in basic education funding. governor s executive budget 2012-2013 included $9.34 billion kindergarten through 12th grade public education, including $5.4 billion in basic education funding, increase of $49 million on 2011-12 budget. in addition, commonwealth provided $100 million accountability block grant (abg) program. northern cambria school district received $93,819 in abg funds. state provided $544.4 million payment school employees’ social security , $856 million school employees’ retirement fund called psers. amount $21,823,000 increase (0.34%) on 2011-2012 appropriations basic education funding, school employees social security, pupil transportation, nonpublic , charter school pupil transportation. since taking office, corbett’s first 2 budgets have restored more $918 million in support of public schools, compensating $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars lost @ end of 2010-11 school year.

in 2011-12 school year, northern cambria school district received $8,370,612 allocation, of state basic education funding. additionally, northern cambria school district received $93,819 in accountability block grant funding. enacted pennsylvania state education budget included $5,354,629,000 2011-2012 basic education funding appropriation. amount $233,290,000 increase (4.6%) on enacted state appropriation 2010-2011. highest increase in state basic education funding awarded duquesne city school district of allegheny county, got 49% increase in state funding 2011-12. in 2010, district reported 555 students received free or reduced-price lunches, due family meeting federal poverty level. pennsylvania public school districts experienced reduction of total funding due termination of federal stimulus funding ended in 2011.

in 2010-11 budget year, commonwealth of pennsylvania provided northern cambria school district 2% increase in basic education funding total of $8,833,901. among districts in cambria county, highest increase went westmont hilltop school district got 10.14% increase. 1 hundred fifty pennsylvania school districts received base 2% increase. highest increase in 2010-11 went kennett consolidated school district in chester county, received 23.65% increase in state funding. fifteen (15) pennsylvania public school districts received bef increase of greater 10%. state s hold harmless policy regarding state basic education funding continued each district received @ least same amount received prior school year, when enrollment had declined. amount of increase each school district received set governor edward rendell , secretary of education gerald zahorchak, part of state budget proposal given each february. second year of governor rendell’s policy fund public school districts @ far greater rate others.

in 2009-10 budget year, commonwealth of pennsylvania provided 3.47% increase in basic education funding total of $8,660,687. among districts in cambria county, highest increase went westmont hilltop school district got 8.22%. ninety (90) pennsylvania public school districts received base 2% increase. muhlenberg school district in berks county received 22.31% increase in state basic education funding in 2009. amount of increase each school district received set governor edward g. rendell , secretary of education gerald zahorchak, part of state budget proposal.

the state basic education funding district in 2008-09 $7,634,543. according pennsylvania department of education, 549 district students received free or reduced- price lunches due low family income in 2007–2008 school year. according u.s. census bureau, pennsylvania spent $7,824 per pupil in year 2000. amount increased $12,085 year 2008.

all pennsylvania school districts receive additional funding state through several funding allocations, including: reimbursement of charter school expenditures; special education funding; secondary career & technical education subsidy; pa accountability grants; , low achieving schools eligible educational assistance program funding. plus pennsylvania school districts receive federal dollars various programs including: special education funding , title funding children low income families. in 2010, pennsylvania spent on $24 billion public education - local, state , federal dollars combined. 2015, pennsylvania spending on $27 billion on public education (local, state , federal resources combined).

accountability block grants

beginning in 2004-2005, state launched accountability block grant school funding. program has provided $1.5 billion pennsylvania’s school districts. accountability block grant program requires taxpayer dollars focused on specific interventions increase student academic achievement. these interventions include: teacher skills training; day kindergarten; lower class size in kindergarten through 3rd grade; literacy , math coaching programs (provides teachers individualized job-embedded professional development improve instruction); before or after school tutoring assistance struggling students. 2010-11, district applied , received $254,649 in addition other state , federal funding. district used funding provide full-day kindergarten 37 children. in 2009, 100% of kindergarteners in northern cambria school district attended full-day kindergarten.

ready learn grant

beginning in 2014-2015 budget, state funded new ready learn grant public schools. total of $100 million allocated through formula districts based on number of students, level of poverty of community calculated market value/personal income aid ratio (mv/pi ar) , number of english language learners. ready learn block grant funds may used districts for: school safety; ready 3 childhood intervention programs; individualized learning programs; , science, technology, engineering , math (stem) programs.

northern cambria school district received $96,043 in ready learn grant dollars in addition state basic education funding, special education funding, prek counts funding, reimbursement social security payments employees , other state grants district must apply receive.

prek counts grant

northern cambria school district receives state funding provide taxpayer-funded preschool @ elementary schools. 2013-14 school year, district received pre k counts grant of $117,000. 2011 school year, northern cambria school district high priority funding due 48% poverty level of children in district s attendance area. enrollment pennsylvania pre-k counts targeted children living in families earning 300 percent of federal poverty level.

in 2013, state’s prek counts program received $87,284,000. in 2010, prek counts program received $83.6 million statewide in governor corbett’s education budget. in 2007-08, state funded pre-k counts @ $75 million. northern cambria school district did not receive funding in 2007-08. in 2009-10, district received $118,500 provide preschool 30 children. district received $98,750 enrolling 25 students 2011-12

in addition prek counts, commonwealth of pennsylvania supplements federal head start preschool program additional funding on annual basis. program available low income children residing within district through private providers. in 2013, pennsylvania contributed $39,178,000 head start. in 2010, head start received $37.6 million in pennsylvania state education dollars. since 2003, pennsylvania has more doubled number of preschoolers in publicly funded pre-kindergarten through mulipronged system including: school-based pre-kindergarten, pennsylvania pre-k counts through private providers, intervention, head start , head start supplemental, , school district’s use of accountability block grants. on 100,000 pennsylvania preschoolers participate in state taxpayer funded pre-kindergarten programs. in 2013, federal government spent $8 billion preschool programs nationwide. in 2013, pennsylvania awarded $51.7 million federal grant fund learning programs. funding used create 50 childhood education community innovation zones in areas lowest-performing public schools, including charter schools, exist. federal dollars not used provide seats children in preschools. instead money used build state bureaucray , added training teachers/providers.

classrooms future grant

the classroom future state program provided districts hundreds of thousands of state funding buy laptop computers each core curriculum high school class (english, science, history, math) , paid teacher training optimize computers use. program funded 2006 2009. school district applied participate in 2006-07, denied funding pa education secretary gerald zahorchak. in 2007-08 , in 2008-09 did not apply funding in spite of repeated requests board so. among public school districts in cambria county, highest award given greater johnstown school district received $463,166. highest funding statewide awarded philadelphia city school district in philadelphia county - $9,409,073. grant program discontinued governor edward rendell part of 2009-10 state budget.

science it’s elementary grant

northern cambria elementary school applied participate , received science it’s elementary grant in 2008-09. 2008-09 school year, program offered in 143 schools reaching 66,973 students across commonwealth of pennsylvania. in 2007, pennsylvania department of education initiated effort improve science instruction in commonwealth’s public elementary schools. called science: it’s elementary, program hands on instruction approach elementary science classes develops problem-solving , critical thinking skills. encourage schools adopt program’s standards aligned curriculum, state provided grant cover costs of materials , extensive mandatory teacher training. district required develop three-year implementation plan participating school. school district administration required appoint district liaison paid $3,000 pde serve conduit of information between district , department , agents along submitting orders , distributing supplies implementing teachers. 2006-07 state education budget, $10 million allocated program. grant program expanded $14.5 million in 2008-09 budget. grant discontinued in state’s 2011 budget governor edward g. rendell.

education assistance grant

the state s eap funding provides continuing support of tutoring services , other programs address academic needs of eligible students. funds available eligible school districts , full-time career , technology centers (ctc) in 1 or more schools have failed meet @ least 1 academic performance target, provided in section 1512-c of pennsylvania public school code. in 2010-11 northern cambria school district received $24,245. in 2003-04, governor rendell signed law eap targeted tutoring @ funding level of $38 million. 35,000 students in 82 academically challenged school districts received in first year. program continued @ same funding level in 2004-05. in 2005-06, program received $66 million in funding , expanded support tutoring in 175 school districts , career , technical centers.

hybrid learning grants

northern cambria school district participated in pilot year of state’s hybrid learning initiative. pennsylvania hybrid learning uses 3 learning models increase student achievement: instruction teacher, group activities, , self-instruction through digital content. according state testing results, among pilot schools, 88 percent achieved higher academic performance in hybrid classes compared traditional classes in same district or statewide benchmarks, 75 percent reported better academic achievement, , of them met or exceeded academic growth. in 2013-14, state awarded $633,000 in federal title 2a funds accelerate teacher training in implementation of hybrid learning programs in 50 school buildings in 34 school entities. in 2012, $1.1 million awarded 15 districts launch first hybrid pilot schools in state included more 1,900 students , 48 teachers. northern cambria school district received $19,500.

other grants

northern cambria school district did not participate in: pennsylvania department of environmental protection s environmental education annual grants; 2012 striving readers comprehensive literacy grant; 2013 safe schools , resource officer grants; project 720 high school reform grants (discontinued effective 2011-12 budget); nor federal 21st century learning grants.

federal stimulus grant

the northern cambria school district received $2,027,455 in american recovery , reinvestment act of 2009 (arra) - federal stimulus money used in specific programs special education , meeting academic needs of low-income students. funding limited 2009-2010 , 2010-2011 school years. due temporary nature of funding, schools repeatedly advised pennsylvania department of education, pennsylvania senate education committee, governor , pennsylvania school board association, use funds one-time expenditures acquiring equipment, making repairs buildings, training teachers provide more effective instruction or purchasing books , software.

race top grant

northern cambria school district officials applied federal race top grant have provided on 1 million dollars, in additional federal funding, improve student academic achievement. participation required administration, school board , local teachers union sign agreement prioritize improving student academic success. in pennsylvania, 120 public school districts , 56 charter schools agreed participate. pennsylvania not approved grant. failure of districts agree participate cited 1 reason pennsylvania not approved.

common cents state initiative

northern cambria school board elected not participate in pennsylvania department of education common cents program. program called state audit district, @ no cost local taxpayers, identify ways district save tax dollars. after review of information, district not required implement recommended cost savings changes.

local services tax

all local taxing authorities required local tax enabling act exempt disabled veterans , members of armed forces reserve called active duty @ time during tax year local services tax , exempt local services tax levied @ rate in excess of $10 persons total income , net profits sources within political subdivision less $12,000 tax year. local tax enabling act authorizes, not require, taxing authorities exempt per capita, occupation, , earned income taxes , local services tax levied @ rate of $10 or less per year, person total income sources less $12,000 per year.

real estate taxes

property tax rates in 2014-2015 set school board @ 50.1600 mills. mill $1 of tax every $1,000 of property s assessed value. irregular property reassessments have become serious issue in commonwealth creates significant disparity in taxation within community , across region. property taxes, in commonwealth of pennsylvania, apply real estate - land , buildings. property tax not levied on cars, business inventory, or other personal property. types of property exempt property taxes, including: places of worship, places of burial, private social clubs, charitable , educational institutions , government property (local, state , federal). additionally, service related, disabled military veterans may seek exemption paying property taxes. pennsylvania school district revenues dominated 2 main sources: 1) property tax collections, account vast majority (between 75-85%) of local revenues; , 2) act 511 tax collections, around 15% of revenues school districts. when pennsylvania public school district includes municipalities in 2 counties, each of has different rates of property tax assessment, state board equalizes tax rates between counties. in 2010, miscalculations state tax equalization board (steb) widespread in commonwealth , adversely impacted funding many school districts, including did not cross county borders.

the average yearly property tax paid cambria county residents amounts 2.4% of yearly income. cambria county ranked 1048th out of 3143 united states counties property taxes percentage of median income. according report prepared pennsylvania department of education, total real estate taxes collected school districts in pennsylvania rose $6,474,133,936 in 1999-00 $10,438,463,356 in 2008-09 , $11,153,412,490 in 2011. property taxes in pennsylvania relatively high on national scale. according tax foundation, pennsylvania ranked 11th in u.s. in 2008 in terms of property taxes paid percentage of home value (1.34%) , 12th in country in terms of property taxes percentage of income (3.55%). pennsylvania s 2011 tax burden of 10.35% ranked 10th highest out of 50 states. tax burden above national average of 9.8%. pennsylvania s taxpayers paid $4,374 per capita in state , local taxes, including school taxes.

act 1 adjusted index

the act 1 of 2006 index regulates rates @ each school district can raise property taxes in pennsylvania. districts not permitted raise property taxes above annual act 1 index unless either: allow district s voters approve increase through vote referendum or receive exception pennsylvania department of education. base index school year published pde in fall of each year. each individual school district’s act 1 index can adjusted higher, depending on number of factors, such local property values , personal income of district residents. originally, act 1 of 2006 included 10 exceptions, including: increasing pension costs, increases in special education costs, catastrophe fire or flood, increase in health insurance costs contracts in effect in 2006 or dwindling tax bases. base index average of percentage increase in statewide average weekly wage, determined pa department of labor , industry, preceding calendar year , percentage increase in employment cost index elementary , secondary schools, determined bureau of labor statistics in u.s. department of labor, previous 12-month period ending june 30. school district market value/personal income aid ratio (mv/pi ar) greater 0.4000, index equals base index multiplied sum of .75 , mv/pi ar current year.

in june 2011, pennsylvania general assembly passed legislation eliminating 6 of exceptions act 1 index. several exceptions maintained: 1) costs pay interest , principal on indebtedness incurred prior september 4, 2004 act 72 schools , prior june 27, 2006 non-act 72 schools; 2) costs pay interest , principal on electoral debt; 3) costs incurred in providing special education programs , services (beyond paid state); , 4) costs due increases of more index in school’s share of payments psers (pa school employees pension fund) taking account state mandated psers contribution rate. legislature froze payroll amount public school districts use calculate pension-plan exception @ 2012 payroll levels. further increases in payroll cannot used raise district’s exception pension payments.

a specific timeline act index decisions published annually, pennsylvania department of education.

the school district adjusted index history northern cambria school district:

for 2014-15 budget year, northern cambria school board applied exception exceed act 1 index limit, due rapidly escalting cost of teachers pensions. in 2014-15, pennsylvania school districts required make 21.4% of payroll payment teacher’s pension fund (psers). school budget 2014-15, 316 pennsylvania public school districts adopted resolution certifying tax rates not increased above act 1 index limit. 181 school districts adopted preliminary budget leaving open option of exceeding index limit. districts may apply multiple exceptions each year. pension costs exception, 163 school districts received approval exceed index in full, while others received partial approval of request. special education costs, 104 districts received approval exceed tax limit. 7 pennsylvania public school districts received approval grandfathered construction debts exception.

for 2013-14 budget year, northern cambria school board applied exception exceed act 1 index limit, due rising teacher pension costs. in 2013-14, pennsylvania school districts required make 16.93% of payroll payment teacher’s pension fund (psers). school budget year 2013-14, 311 pennsylvania public school districts adopted resolution certifying tax rates not increased above index. 171 school districts adopted preliminary budget leaving open option of exceeded index limit. pension costs exception, 169 school districts received approval exceed index. special education costs, 75 districts received approval exceed tax limit. eleven pennsylvania public school districts received approval grandfathered construction debts.

for 2012-13 budget year, northern cambria school board applied 2 exceptions exceed act 1 index: special education costs , rising teacher pension costs. in 2012-13, pennsylvania school districts required make 12.36% of payroll payment teacher’s pension fund (psers). 2012-2013 budget year, 274 school districts adopted resolution certifying tax rates not increased above index; while 223 school districts adopted preliminary budget leaving open option of exceeded index limit. exception pension costs, 194 school districts received approval exceed index. special education costs, 129 districts received approval exceed tax limit.

for 2011-12 school year, northern cambria school board did not apply exception exceed act 1 index. in 2011-12, pennsylvania school districts required make 8.65% of payroll payment teacher’s pension fund. each year, northern cambria school board has option of adopting either: 1) resolution in january certifying not increase taxes above index or 2) preliminary budget in february. school district adopting resolution may not apply referendum exceptions or ask voters tax increase above inflation index.

property tax relief

in 2014, northern cambria school district approved 2,345 homestead properties receive $134 each. decline in amount related more residents applying tax relief , decline in table games tax revenues. amount received district must divided equally among approved residences.

in 2009, northern cambria school district approved 2,307 homestead properties receive $136 in property tax relief. relief subtracted total annual school property tax bill. property owners apply relief through county treasurer s office. farmers can qualify farmstead exemption on building used agricultural purposes. farm must @ least 10 contiguous acres (40,000 m) , must primary residence of owner. farmers can qualify both homestead exemption , farmstead exemption. amount of property tax relief each pennsylvania public school district receives announced pde in may of each year. amount of tax relief dependent on total tax revenue collected on casino slots in previous year. thirty-five percent of slots tax revenues used property tax relief. in cambria county, highest tax relief went ferndale area school district set @ $214. highest property tax relief provided, among pennsylvania school districts, goes homesteads of chester upland school district in delaware county received $632 per approved homestead in 2010. chester-upland school district has consistently been top recipient since programs inception. tax relief started governor edward g. rendell passage of state gaming law in 2004. rendell promised taxpayers substantial property tax relief legalized gambling. in cambria county, 54% of eligible property owners applied property tax relief in 2009. among lowest participation rates in pennsylvania.

in pennsylvania, homestead exclusion reduces assessed values of homestead properties, reducing property tax on these homes. homestead exclusion allows homeowners real property tax relief of 1 half of median assessed value of homesteads in taxing jurisdiction (county, school district, city, borough, or township).

some northern cambria school district residents, including: low income residents aged 65 , older; widows , widowers aged 50 , older; , people disabilities age 18 , older, can qualify state s property tax/rent rebate program. income limit $35,000 homeowners. residents must apply annually receive $650. property tax/rent rebate program funded revenues pennsylvania lottery. in 2012, these property tax rebates increased additional 50 percent senior households in state, long households have incomes under $30,000 , pay more 15% of income in property taxes.