Q & A: The PILT program
In an article by David Louis in the Today’s News Herald, he noted Federal “Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes” have reached record levels of $464 million in 2017.
By John Gutekunst
Parker Pioneer (Arizona)
In an article by David Louis in the Today’s News Herald, he noted Federal “Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes” have reached record levels of $464 million in 2017. However, under President Donald Trump’s 2018 budget proposal, PILT payments will be limited to the most recent 10-year average payment, or about $397 million. It’s estimated some rural counties could receive 39 percent less than they currently receive.
The National Association of Counties and political figures like Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Arizona, have urged Congress to fully fund the PILT program as it is vital to many rural counties, especially in the West.
With this in mind, the Pioneer offers some answers as to what the program is and how it works.
