Potter County Today

Higher payments from the Pa. Act 13 shale gas-drilling “impact fee” have positioned many local governments to be able to avoid raising taxes, despite higher expenses anticipated in their 2024 budget drafts. Payments from the tax are based on 2022 gas drilling and production reports.

Potter County’s allotment is $364,137, up from last year’s $316,801. Township/borough payments are also higher. Market conditions, mainly in the form of higher prices for natural gas, are among the largest factors in the higher revenue distribution. County/municipal population is another determinant.

Township and borough allotments this year were as follows:

Sweden Twp., $89,836; Ulysses Twp., $84,464; West Branch Twp., $62,600; Summit Twp., $47,867; Eulalia Twp., $41,484; Coudersport, $23,697; Clara Twp., $23,524; Wharton Twp., $23,000; Pleasant Valley Twp., $22,838; Keating Twp., $22,830; Pike Twp., $16,475; Harrison Twp., $21,708; Allegany Twp., $15,675; Sharon Twp., $15,133; Hector Twp., $14,729; Hebron Twp., $14,007; Roulette Twp., $13,493; Bingham Twp., $13,067; Sylvania Twp., $11,597; Genesee Twp., $10,982; Galeton, $10,355; Abbott Twp., $10,112; Homer Twp., $8,101; Oswayo Twp., $8,000; Ulysses Borough, $6,474; Austin, $5,561; Shinglehouse, $5,327; Stewardson Twp., $2,712; Portage Twp., $1,764; and Oswayo Borough, $943.

County and local governments can use the money for preservation and reclamation of water supplies; improvements to roads and bridges; construction and repair of water and sewer systems; delivery of social services; tax reduction; housing; conservation districts; emergency preparedness, public safety and flood plain management.