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By KALEN CHURCHER kchurcher@leader.net
Wednesday, March 12, 2003 Page: 5A
LEHMAN TWP. – The boycott has been lifted – almost.
One month after the Lake-Lehman School Board voted to not patronize the
Sunoco gas station on state Route 118, it reversed its decision Tuesday night.
Members voted during a February meeting in favor of the boycott after Joseph
Kapitula questioned why the district frequents a business that does not pay
taxes. An underground storage tank leak allowed the property’s assessment to
drop to virtually zero, absolving the owners from a tax bill.
The official vote to change the decision is likely to come at the March 18
regular meeting. It could not be taken Tuesday because the meeting was a work
session.
Ann Marie and Robert Jones, owners of the station, said it was unfair to
punish them because they do not own the land; it is leased from George
Maculloch. According to Times Leader records, Maculloch argued successfully to
have the property assessment dropped from $8,900 to $1 in 1996.
Member Charles Balavage questioned how someone can accept rent for a
property yet pay no taxes. Solicitor Charles Coslett said a letter will be
sent to the Luzerne County assessor stating that because the land is an
“income producing property” it should not be exempt from taxes.
In other business, multiple high school seniors appeared before the board
to express their disapproval of the district planning for an indoor graduation
ceremony. The district decided to move graduation indoors because artificial
turf on the new multi-purpose field would be ruined if walked on by
individuals in high heels.
Superintendent Robert Roberts said if senior class officers could assure
the board that only flat shoes would be worn, it would likely opt for an
outdoor ceremony.