Published May 08. 2026 10:41AM<\/p>\n
Although recognizing the economic benefits to the Lehigh Valley from the Eli Lilly manufacturing plant proposed for Upper Macungie Township, Parkland board members hesitated to commit district revenue to the tax abatement plan associated with the project.<\/p>\n
Through estimates supplied by the Lehigh County Office of Tax Abatement, Parkland would start its commitment at $1.3 million in year one for a $68 million assessment on the company and $2.1 million on a $105 million assessment.<\/p>\n
The 10-year tax abatement plan was developed as an incentive to encourage Eli Lilly to locate in the Lehigh Valley with assistance from the Local Economic Revitalization Act know as LERTA.<\/p>\n
Board vice president Chris Pirrotta noted the manufacturing operation will benefit the entire Lehigh Valley, but this plan says nothing specific about Parkland.<\/p>\n
\u201cCan we say to residents we\u2019re going to raise your taxes to give to this big company? It is our responsibility to put our students first. In our financial situation, this is irresponsible. I\u2019m shocked we\u2019re still talking about it,\u201d Pirrotta said.<\/p>\n
Board member Jon Macklin observed Parkland is the one school district in the Lehigh Valley being asked to bear an economic load for the company.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel this would be a massive financial loss for the Parkland School District,\u201d Macklin said.<\/p>\n
Director Carol Facchiano referred to the district\u2019s 2026-2027 budget which in February was standing with a $12.4 million deficit even with a possible tax increase up to 3.5% and an appropriation from the fund balance.<\/p>\n
\u201dIt\u2019s all coming down to money. I\u2019m concerned about programs and staff,\u201d Facchiano said.<\/p>\n
Board member Lisa Roth noted Eli Lilly will come in and make money from the plant.<\/p>\n
Our job is to do what is best for our community and our children we are educating,\u201d Roth said.<\/p>\n
During the public comment period, resident Tara Houser stated the district would have to give amounts saved from attrition to meet the abatement commitment.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot only Parkland students will work there. They\u2019ll come from all over. It\u2019s a big loss for us, a small amount in their scheme of things,\u201c Houser said.<\/p>\n
The matter will be brought forth at the May 12 board meeting, after updated figures are derived from the May 1 budget seminar.<\/p>\n
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