Lackawanna County addresses tax assessment confusion during data mailer review

Residents of Lackawanna County gathered recently for a reassessment meeting, where officials addressed concerns about property assessments and the accuracy of data mailers sent to homeowners. The meeting highlighted the importance of clear communication regarding property values, particularly as the county prepares for a significant reassessment process.

One of the key topics discussed was the breakdown of square footage in property assessments. Officials explained that living area measurements are now separated into above-ground living space and finished basement areas. This change aims to provide homeowners with a clearer understanding of their property’s assessed value, which is crucial as many residents expressed concerns about potential overpayments in property taxes.

The current assessment rate in Lackawanna County stands at approximately 6.2% of a property's sale price. This means that if a home is purchased for $100,000, the assessed value would typically be around $6,200. However, officials clarified that the assessment on existing homes remains unchanged unless a new property is built, which would be assessed based on construction costs.

Residents also raised issues regarding the accuracy of the data mailers they received. Some homeowners reported receiving multiple mailers, with confusion over whether corrections made to their property information were reflected in the latest documents. Officials acknowledged that there were errors in the situs addresses on some mailers and assured residents that corrected versions were sent out. However, they noted that if corrections were submitted after the batch was printed, those changes would not appear in the subsequent mailers.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to transparency and accuracy in property assessments, as officials encouraged residents to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding their assessments or the data mailers. As the reassessment process moves forward, the county aims to ensure that all homeowners have a clear understanding of their property values and the implications for their taxes.