New Law Would Triple Game Gommission Fees

Lawmakers are haggling over a plan to require the Game Commission to pay more to local governments that host game lands, and the Game Commission wants it shot down. Sen. Joseph Scarnati, R-Warren, authored the bill that would triple the amount the Game Commission pays to counties, municipalities and school districts.

Because game lands are not subject to property taxes, the three entities instead receive the fees called "payment in lieu of taxes," or PILTs. As it stands now, the Game Commission pays $1. 20 an acre ? or 40 cents per acres to the county, township and school district. Scarnati's bill would hike it to $3. 60, with each entity getting $1. 20. Scarnati's bill, which is pending in the House after clearing the Senate in November, is the latest effort to funnel more money to local governments to hold down property taxes.

It comes after the state Supreme Court last year struck down part of the state slots law that would have sent gambling revenues to local governments that host game lands. Critics of the bill say it would deal a financial blow that the Game Commission can't afford as it tries to cope with sluggish license sales and increased costs. The agency has asked lawmakers to approve a hike in hunting license fees, and those plans are also pending in the House.

May 14, 2006
Posted By Terry Goodwin
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