Property Owner Raises Concerns Over Lackawanna County Assessment Transparency

Concerns over property assessments and tax transparency dominated the recent Lackawanna County Commissioners meeting, as residents voiced frustrations regarding the accuracy and fairness of the new valuation system.

One property owner shared his experience with informal hearings for two of his properties, highlighting significant inaccuracies in the assessments. He noted that neither property had been physically inspected, relying solely on aerial views, which led to erroneous listings of additional structures that do not exist. This lack of transparency in the assessment process has raised alarms among residents, who fear they may be unfairly taxed due to inflated property values.

The speaker emphasized the need for the county to provide clearer data on property valuations, arguing that without transparency, residents cannot confirm whether they are being taxed equitably. He presented a striking example of a 3,850% increase in assessed value for average homes in his area, questioning how such a drastic rise could be justified without proper oversight and comparison to industrial properties.

Another resident raised questions about the millage rate, expressing confusion over discrepancies between the tax bills and the county's website. She sought clarity on how the new system calculates taxes and whether residents are being charged fairly based on accurate assessments.

County officials responded by assuring residents that they are committed to reviewing all submitted documentation and comparable properties to ensure accurate valuations. They acknowledged the importance of accurate data in determining fair market values and promised to address concerns raised during the meeting.

As the county navigates this reassessment process, residents are calling for greater accountability and transparency to ensure that all property owners are treated fairly and equitably in their tax obligations. The discussions at this meeting reflect a growing demand for clarity in local governance, as community members seek to understand how decisions impact their financial responsibilities.