Juniata County Tax Hikes: What You Need to Know About the Latest News!
Photo courtesy of MATT BOLICH
The Thompsontown branch of Cabinetworks Group has sadly shut its doors for good as of December.
Regardless of who coined the phrase, “nothing is certain but death and taxes,” one thing is crystal clear: in Juniata County, tax hikes are on the horizon.
As living expenses continue to soar, so too do the financial demands on our beloved Juniata County. It’s a trend that has residents feeling the pinch, especially at the local government and school district levels.
This past June, the Juniata County School District Board gave the green light to a whopping $46.8 million budget for the 2024-25 school year, which included a hefty 6.6 percent increase in real estate taxes.
Meanwhile, county officials wrapped up a final budget for 2025 in December, which also brought along a 5-mill hike for real estate taxes.
Whether you attribute it to Benjamin Franklin or Mark Twain, one thing’s for sure: tax increases in Juniata County have dominated the headlines as The Sentinel’s most talked-about story of 2024.
Photo courtesy of MIFFLIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Mifflin County High School Marching Band showcased their talent at the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championships in Hershey, gaining well-deserved recognition this past season.
The budget sailed through with a 6-1 vote, with director Ray Page casting the lone dissenting voice and directors Helen Casner and Troy Woodward absent from the discussion.
Property owners are now facing an increase from 72.897 mills to 77.7082 mills, along with new fees including $5 per capita tax, $5 residence tax, $10 flat-rate occupation tax, a 1 percent real estate transfer tax, a 0.5 percent earned income tax, and a 5 percent amusement tax—effective July 1, 2024.
In discussions leading up to the vote, school administrators made it clear: maintaining the status quo from the previous year without these increases simply wasn’t feasible—and that meant some hard decisions, including the elimination of four teaching positions that remain unfilled.
The impact of charter schools also came under scrutiny, with reports indicating the district spent a staggering $3.25 million on charter school tuition in the 2021-22 school year, contributing to a statewide total exceeding $2.8 billion.
On the county side, the Juniata County Commissioners finalized their 2025 budget during a December meeting, which included a resolution seeking court approval to raise the limit on real estate millage—approval they received.
Photo courtesy of KEVIN KODISH
The sun set one last time on Mitchell Field in Lewistown as the high school football season came to a close in 2024.
The $33.6 million county budget allocates funds across various sectors—$5.9 million for general government, $5.4 million for public safety, $4.7 million for health and welfare, and $2.2 million for miscellaneous expenses.
Additionally, the budget earmarks $258,000 for road projects, $319,321 for cultural and recreational initiatives, $111,350 for conservation and development, and $322,290 for debt services.
Real estate taxes will remain fixed at 30 mills, meaning property owners will pay $3 for every $100 of assessed valuation for county taxes. The board also set a $5 per capita tax rate to bolster the general fund.
County officials noted this marks the fourth increase in real estate millage since 2006.
Other noteworthy stories making waves in 2024 included:
Photo courtesy of KAUFFMAN FAMILY
The late Theil and Andrea Kauffman were the heart and soul behind the Friendship Bookstore in Reedsville.
2. Celebrating memories at Mitchell Field
For nearly a century, Mitchell Field in Lewistown has been the stage for countless memorable football games, from league championships to nail-biting playoff showdowns. It has also played host to band competitions, track meets, and community celebrations.
The very first high school football game kicked off at Lewistown Athletic Field—later renamed Mitchell Field—in 1934. Fast forward to October 28, 2024, when Mifflin County clinched a thrilling 21-18 victory over Red Land in the field’s grand finale.
“It was a historic night at Mitchell Field, encapsulating the spirit of our Mifflin County community,” said Athletic Director Tish Maclay. “The evening was filled with memories and outstanding performances from our band, cheerleaders, and football players, cheered on by our spirited student sections.”
Photo courtesy of MIFFLIN COUNTY LIBRARY
Executive Director Susan Miriello lends a hand during the Mifflin County Library’s renovation efforts.
“It was a beautiful night to bid farewell to Mitchell Field,” Maclay added. “We cherish the memories and eagerly anticipate the future.”
That night was a true celebration for the Mifflin County community—whether you cheered for the Lewistown Panthers, Rothrock Eagles, Penn Highlands Cougars, Chief Logan Mingos, Kish Indians, Indian Valley Warriors, or Mifflin County Huskies.
Mitchell Field will be transformed into the $18.5 million Husky Multi-Sports Facilities Project, featuring Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium as the new home for Mifflin County football in 2025.
3. Mifflin County Library undergoes a makeover
In a bid to modernize and enhance services, the Mifflin County Library is embarking on a $1.5 million renovation project aimed at making it an invaluable community resource.
“A significant portion of the library will be revamped,” said Executive Director Susan Miriello.
“This main library building on Wayne Street was established in 1974-75,” she added. “After 50 years, our upgrades will ensure we continue to provide exemplary library services for decades to come.”
Phase one of the renovation kicked off on February 25, with plans for a new entrance to the children’s library on the lower level and a dedicated office for the children’s librarian.
Funding for this project comes from a Keystone Grant through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries to update older library buildings.
The anticipated reopening has been pushed from Thanksgiving 2024 to February 2025.
4. Local businesses bid farewell
The Juniata Valley saw its share of business closures this year. In December, discount retailer Big Lots confirmed the upcoming closure of its Burnham store in the Mifflin County Commons, among others.
Cabinetworks Group’s Thompsontown location, which specialized in cabinets for multi-family housing, also closed its doors in December, following significant layoffs earlier in the year.
Over the years, the housing sector has faced challenges, including declines in housing starts—a trend that appears set to continue.
After announcing a layoff of nearly 20 percent of its workforce in August, the company held onto hope for its Mount Union facility.
Rodgers Jewelry, a cherished local gem, closed its doors for good after serving the Mifflin County community for 72 years. Founded by Tony and Wilda Servinsky in 1952, it was a quintessential “mom-and-pop shop.”
The Friendship Bookstore had a rollercoaster year, relocating and closing after the sudden passing of its beloved owner, Theil Kauffman. It has since reopened under new ownership, with close friend Kevin Zook establishing the Theil and Andrea Kauffman Memorial Bible Fund to continue their legacy of community service.
5. Marching Huskies conquer the stage once more
It was a challenging year for the Mifflin County High School Marching Band, often juggling various practice locations due to ongoing construction for the new Husky Multi-Purpose Facilities Project.
Yet the Marching Huskies proved that some things never change. In November, they took home their third Tournament of Bands (TOB) Atlantic Coast Championship title at Hersheypark Stadium, scoring an impressive 90.70 in the Group 4-Open Class. The band also snagged multiple specialty awards for best music, visual, drum line, and color guard, showcasing their talent at every level, regional and state included.
Also making waves this year:
Yorks reaches the incredible milestone of 100,000 donated shoes
While it may not rival the excitement of Times Square’s New Year’s Eve ball drop, Abby Yorks has been on a mission for over 15 years, collecting shoes for Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based non-profit dedicated to providing footwear to those in need. This September, her hard work culminated in reaching the astounding 100,000 mark with a pair of blue and white sneakers. Now, she’s setting her sights even higher—250,000 shoes!
SteelWorx Pump Track opens in Burnham
Carli Russler and Shannon McGonigle were initially skeptical about their dream of creating a bike track at the former Jamboree grounds in Burnham. Yet, after nearly a year of planning and fundraising, their vision became a reality in November with the opening of the SteelWorx Pump Track. Funded through donations and community efforts, they also launched the Every Kid Rides Project, ensuring that every child in the community has access to a bike.
Biggest Goose Day celebration ever
Honk! Honk! Happy Goose Day! This year’s Goose Day festivities in the Juniata Valley surpassed all expectations. This annual three-day celebration is now a community favorite, complete with a dazzling drone light show illuminating the night sky over downtown Lewistown. Whether it’s the Goose Day Gravel Ride or the fun-filled activities at the Juniata Valley YMCA, there’s always something exciting happening. And who could resist feasting on some traditional goose for a touch of good luck?
