Cross posted at the Wake-Up Wal-Mart blog
In an article from the Times Reporter (OH), we learn that Wal-Mart is trying to almost halve the amount of property taxes they pay for a store in New Philadelphia. As the article mentions, about 70% of the property taxes go to the school district, meaning Wal-Mart is trying to leave this school district with significantly less funding. So much for Wal-Mart being a good corporate citizen. Here is an excerpt:
Representatives of Wal-Mart again are asking Tuscarawas County officials to dramatically lower the amount of property taxes the company pays for its New Philadelphia retail store.
The New Philadelphia City School District is challenging the request, which is similar to one made by Wal-Mart for tax year 2001.
An attorney for Wal-Mart asked the county Board of Revision Monday to lower the value of the store to $4,910,000, according to county Auditor Matt Judy, who is a board member.
The county lists a fair market value for the property at 223 Bluebell Dr. NW at $8,642,910. That value was determined as of Jan. 1, 2004, during the reappraisal process, and taxes are based on 35 percent of the market value.
Wal-Mart currently pays $113,712 annually in property taxes. Generally, about 70 percent of that amount, or $79,598, goes to the school district, Judy said. State law requires any school district that faces a loss of at least $17,500 annually to be notified.
To continue reading this article, click here.