A local state representative is calling for an audit of a couple professional sports teams in the state.
Republican Rep. Tim Bonner, who represents portions of Butler and Mercer Counties, says he wants to look into the rental payments being made by Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies to the state.
He says under an agreement made in 1999, the teams agreed to pay the state $25 million in rental payments every ten years, but there was a caveat.
Bonner says in the first 10-year period, both the Phillies and Pirates made more than $25 million in tax revenue so they didn’t have to pay rent.
Now, Bonner is calling for audit, especially when it comes to the Pirates. He says an audit is warranted for the Pirates claiming tax credits because of declining attendance.
