The Norwin School District is looking at a Walmart Superstore in the proposed Mills Pointe complex as a source of recouping some of the property tax revenue it could lose in the next six years.

School directors Monday night unanimously approved a settlement agreement with Redstone Presbyterian SeniorCare that covers tax bills for the Greensburg-based nonprofit's Redstone Highlands retirement/elder care campus in North Huntingdon from July 2008 to June 2015.

Administrators estimate that the agreement may cost the district $348,000 in property taxes -- the equivalent of 1 mill -- over that span. One mill currently generates about $350,000.

"The board really didn't have a choice," said Superintendent Jack Boylan. "The board chose to save taxpayers the cost of litigation, which we likely would lose.

"The district will lose some tax revenue, but we're hoping to make up some of [that] when the new Walmart opens."

The North Huntingdon commissioners were expected to approve a settlement agreement last night.

"I don't feel the township stands to lose as much property tax revenue as the school district will," said township Manager John Shepherd.

Redstone appealed its property assessments for facilities it owns and operates in North Huntingdon, Murrysville and Greensburg in Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court after the county board of assessments denied exemptions for all three properties.

Redstone officials contend their facilities are public charities that should be exempt from property taxation by school districts and municipalities.

A non-jury trial is scheduled on Tuesday before Judge William J. Ober.

The Hempfield Area and Franklin Regional school boards also have accepted agreements with Redstone.

Greensburg on Nov. 10 agreed to a settlement. Murrysville Council was to vote last night.

There will be a meeting on the proposed Norwin regional community recreation center at 6 p.m. Monday in the Commissioners Chambers in North Huntingdon's Town House.

Input from North Huntingdon, Irwin and North Irwin residents will help determine the scope of the 90,000-square-foot project, which is estimated to cost $16 million to $18 million, not including potential land acquisition costs. The projected annual operating budget could reach $2 million.

"Our intent is to provide an opportunity to update residents about progress of the project, assess findings of a preliminary study and to comment on the overall feasibility," said John Bales, chairman of the Norwin Area Regional Recreation Committee.

A survey was mailed to about 3,000 residents in the Norwin School District who were randomly selected by project consultant Environmental Design and Production in March.

Results indicated the programs most desired by residents are aerobics and fitness areas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, running track, senior/teen center areas and weight rooms.

Irwin Council last week unanimously approved a proposed $2.72 million operating budget for 2010 that would hold the property tax at 13.5 mills for a second year in a row.

The spending plan, however, includes a proposed per-quarter sewage rate hike of $6. That would increase the borough's quarterly charge from the current $78.02, which includes $49.95 charged by the Western Westmoreland Municipal Authority, to $84.02.

A projected $3.70 per month rate increase per equivalent dwelling unit, which would take effect April 1, was included in a budget adopted by the Western Westmoreland Municipal Authority Tuesday night.

If that increase stands, it would push the total quarterly charge to $87.72.

"People just can't get a break," said council President John Fonzo. "We held the tax levy, but raised the sewage charge."

The borough was forced to increase its sewage charge to support the debt service incurred by an $8 million separation of combined sewer lines project that is nearly complete.

Council will adopt a budget at its Dec. 9 meeting.

The North Huntingdon commissioners last week unanimously agreed to work out an agreement with developer DeBartolo Development for snow removal on Rhonda Court and Mills Drive through the proposed Mills Pointe retail/commercial development, which is to be anchored by a Walmart Superstore.

The two roads, which are paved, will be used as a detour route from Route 30 to a section of Barnes Lake Road that will not be relocated.

Motorists also may use Norwin Avenue through the Norwin Hills Shopping Center during the relocation of Barnes Lakes Road to access Route 30 across from Teddy's Restaurant.

Jay Adams, DeBartolo project development officer, told the board his company would pay township road crews to plow the roads to keep them open during site preparation.

The board also approved township Manager John Shepherd's recommendation that DeBartolo post an escrow account for an as-yet undetermined cost of the snow removal instead of billing for the service.

Mr. Adams said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, which is considering issuing highway occupancy to the developer for the relocation of Barnes Lake Road, prefers that the township do the plowing instead of a private contractor.

Walmart construction could begin by March or April.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.