By Patty Yauger
Herald Standard
BULLSKIN TWP. — Uncertainty as to the future of the revenue streams to be used for the construction of a new $30 million Fayette County prison continues to be the focus of residents.
Only a few seats at the Masonic Lodge along Route 982 were filled by local residents Thursday to hear the results of an economic assessment study conducted by Crabtree, Rohrbaugh and Associates of Mechanicsburg as officials continue to pursue action to stem costly out-of-county inmate rental fees and meet state guidelines.
While the number of attendees was small, the questions were numerous as to how income from Marcellus shale proceeds and gaming revenues garnered from Lady Luck Nemacolin could be counted on in years to come.
“You are talking about Act 13 money that is going to expire in about nine years and casino revenue (from a business) that just laid off 15 percent of their workforce,” said an unidentified resident. “You cannot just expect that money to come blowing in.
“If there is an increase in our taxes, you can expect an exodus of taxpayers, and then there will be less revenue coming in.
“Do we need a new prison? Yes. Do I need a new house? Yes. Can I afford it? No.”
Commissioners are poised to take action next week to move forward with the construction of a new prison in Dunbar Township.
Full story: Long-term ability to pay for new prison of concern for taxpayer