Our Opinion: PILT funding remains key
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 10:41 AM PST
No other federal program has played such an important, though often overlooked, role for Malheur County than the Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILT, program.
PILT payments are used to reimburse counties with large tracts of federal land for the loss in property taxes.
The PILT funds are, in a very real way, a lifeline for the county. Without the funds, Malheur County would face an even tougher financial future than it does now.
One major goal for the next year, according to Malheur County Judge Dan Joyce, will be to gain full funding for PILT payments to Malheur County.
That is more than just another lofty goal. Already, Malheur County is the largest recipient of PILT funds, and a key goal for Joyce should be — and thankfully is — to make full funding of PILT payments permanent.
Joyce has made the PILT issue something of a cornerstone of his tenure as county judge, and no wonder. The PILT funds are critical for the county’s financial future.
While Joyce should do his bit to make sure the PILT money becomes a stable fixture for Malheur County’s future, individual residents can make their voices heard by contacting their elected leaders to lobby for permanent PILT funding for our county.
The money is important, the issue easily understandable.
PILT funding will become even more important down the road as the economy continues to sour. That’s why residents and elected leaders need to make sure their voices are heard in Washington, D.C., on this matter.
