We're in the money

PLAINS TWP. — The township on Monday received its first cut of gaming revenue from the state’s first casino. Ron Filippini, chairman of the Plains Township Board of Commissioners, said the township received a $295,800 check from the state Department of Revenue, which is based on business at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs from its opening Nov. 14 through Dec. 31.

As a resident of Plains Twp I just want to say "Thanks Suckers."

But I question if our town fathers will spend this new windfall wisely. Last fall they included the anticipated the slots revenue in the annual budget. This first chunk of money is to be used for normal housekeeping expenses such as overtime costs related to the storm that should have killed us all with the leftover used to pave a few streets. But the original purpose of reducing property taxes is still on hold until the reassessment is finished, if ever.

The gaming revenue could eventually be used to lower township property tax bills, but that could depend on whether the county imposes new assessed property values in 2008, Filippini said. The county commissioners last year decided to delay the county’s first reassessment of property since 1965.