SHARPSVILLE

Sharpsville council is seeking support from the county and the school district for a tax-abatement for home and business owners who improve their property.

Council members and borough representatives explained the plan Monday to Sharpsville school directors and Mercer County Commissioner Olivia M. Lazor.

Sharpsville council Vice President Gary "Gus" Grandy wants to implement a 5- to 10-year tax abatement on the improved or added part of the property.

"We're trying to get people to improve their property and improve their businesses," Grandy said. "You can recoup your money by doing certain things. It won't cost you as much because you wouldn't have to pay taxes right away ... If you take care of the business people in town, they'll end up bringing in new business."

Council met with state Rep. Mike Gruitza, Hermitage, D-7th District, in April to talk about ideas for a tax abatement program. At the time, Gruitza told them he could introduce a bill to allow tax abatements for existing structures, but the state constitution would limit such a program to two years. Anything longer would require an amendment to the state constitution.

Gruitza has since introduced House Bill 2771, which also has the support of state Reps. Dick Stevenson, Grove City, R-8, and Rod Wilt, Sugar Grove Township, R-17th, and state Sen. Robert D. "Bob" Robbins, Salem Township, R-50th. The bill allows for a two-year tax abatement on improvements and additions to existing structures.

"We can't get more (than two years for residences) unless we change the constitution. That's my next step," Grandy said.

Tax abatements are on the state books for newly constructed homes, but not for improvements on existing structures. Three, five and ten-year tax abatements are also available from the state for improving property in deteriorated areas.

Gruitza recommended the abatement cover county and school taxes as well as municipal taxes, so council called Monday's meeting to discuss the proposed amendment with the school board and county.

"We're asking you to go along with the abatement ... let's put everybody on the same page," Grandy said.

School board President Terry Karsonovich, a resident of Clark, asked if Clark and South Pymatuning Township would be involved in the abatement.

"I think we need to do it all the way around," Karsonovich said.

"We'll gladly get them involved if they want in ... we will offer it to other communities if they want to be a part of it," Grandy said. "All they have to do is jump on board."

Grandy said council could invite South Pymatuning supervisors and Clark council to the next council work session, or send letters asking for their support.

Mrs. Lazor asked when the tax abatement would go into effect, pointing out that county assessment can take up to a year in some communities. Grandy said the abatement would go into effect as soon as the property was assessed.

Mrs. Lazor said she would take the information back to her colleagues. Grandy said he plans to attend next Thursday's county commissioners meeting to discuss the abatement.

Grandy said even if the school district and the county decide not to go along with the abatement, he thinks the borough still should pursue it.