Unity considers expanding property tax rebate for all senior citizens

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Jan. 16—Supervisors in Unity are considering expanding the township's senior citizen property tax rebate program to include all residents 65 or older.

The supervisors last week agreed to have Solicitor Gary Falatovich research the possibility that was suggested by board Chairman Mike O'Barto.

The township initiated a real estate tax rebate program for seniors in 2012, but an applicant's household must fall within lower income limits established by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"All I want to do is actually make it better, with a rebate program for all senior citizens 65 and over," O'Barto said. "I think it would be great for the senior citizens."

While the township real estate tax is just 2.2 mills, O'Barto suggested relief from that burden might make the difference for someone on a fixed income who is struggling to meet other taxes and ongoing bills.

"There are many seniors who are being forced out of their homes," he said. "It would be worth it if we can help one person stay in their house."

O'Barto said 314 Unity seniors qualified for the income-dependent rebate in 2021, down from 341 in 2018.

He pointed out that a little less than 22% of township residents are 65 or older, according to 2020 census figures. That would equal about 4,600 of the township's population of about 21,600.

"Almost 80% of the people in Unity Township are under the age of 65," O'Barto said. "That tells me there are still a lot of young people moving into the township."

The census also indicates 81% of housing units in the township are owner-occupied.

Some limitations on the Unity tax rebate would remain. It does not apply to a separate 2-mill tax assessed on properties to provide support for the township's volunteer firefighters.

Seniors must apply before July 31 to receive a rebate for a given year. They also must have owned and resided on property in the township for five consecutive years in order to apply.

"You can't just move from another municipality into Unity Township and get a tax exemption," O'Barto said.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .