134TH DISTRICT

Individuals seeking relief on this year’s school property tax bills are urged to check their status for homestead/farmstead exclusions before March 1 and apply if eligible.

If a homeowner’s application is accepted, a portion of a property’s assessed value is exempt from the property tax, thus lowering the overall tax bill.

The state is then responsible for covering the difference between the two amounts, using proceeds from gambling revenue to pay the balance.

Many may have already filed applications for the exclusion several years ago when the Homeowner Tax Relief Act was enacted. Homeowners may want to verify the status of their applications through their county assessment office.

Individuals qualify for a homestead exclusion as long as the property for which they are applying is their primary residence. A farmstead exclusion is also available for buildings and structures used for commercial agriculture production on a farm of at least 10 acres. The farm must serve as the homeowner’s primary residence.

Residents who acquire property in the school district after the March 1 deadline must wait until the following year to qualify for a homestead or farmstead exclusion.

Benefits from the program vary depending on the school district in which the homeowner resides.

The Homeowner Tax Relief Act requires the state distribute a minimum of $400 million in property tax relief, according to a media release from the office of Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th.

Homestead/farmstead exclusion applications are available through the Lehigh County Assessment Office at 610-782-3038.

Unsung Heroes

The Lehigh County Office of Aging & Adult Services is now accepting nominations for its 2019 Unsung Heroes Program.

The program is part of Older Americans Month celebrated during the month of May.

In order to be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following criteria:

•Must be at least 60 years of age.

•Must be a Lehigh County resident.

•The achievements, accomplishments or service must be performed on a volunteer basis, not paid.

•Must have performed outstanding contributions or services that promoted, enhanced and enriched the quality of life for others.

•Must be available to attend the Unsung Hero celebration May 15.

The Unsung Heroes Program is meant to celebrate Lehigh County’s 60 and older population for their generosity and selfless contribution of their time and talent in service to improving the lives of others.

Nomination forms are available on Lehigh County’s Aging and Adult Services page http://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Aging-and-Adult-Services.

Nominations must be postmarked by March 8.

The Unsung Heroes event will be held 1 p.m. May 15, at the Zentz Community Center, Fellowship Hall, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall.