Urban/Rural Designation Response From Gov. Corbett

    October 4, 2012 - A day after Erie City Council proposed a resolution to contact Governor Tom Corbett and the Department of Welfare regarding the urban-rural designation, officials received a response from the Governor.

    Local officials want the designation changed back to urban.

    And today, a letter from Governor Corbett was sent to Senator Jane Earll saying the Department of Welfare will now re-analyze data.

    Local officials fear that if Erie is not considered urban, local social service agencies will be affected by this decision.

"When the designation goes from urban to rural, the tax dollars are shifting," said David Brennan, Erie City Council. "Tax dollars will go to larger urban centers like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. And Erie, the tax dollars we are paying to the state, less money will come back to us."

    A public meeting will also be held, however a date and place have not been set yet.