Residents demand clearer explanation of reassessment and tax increases from Monroe County commissioners

Several residents and local representatives used public comment time at the Sept. 4 Monroe County commissioners meeting to demand a clearer explanation for recent reassessments and a large increase in county property taxes.

Representative Probst (Strasburg Borough) said he had been “bombarded by constituents” asking why the county’s tax increase was as high as 37% in some cases and why a reassessment was being undertaken again. He told the board that many callers were outraged and asked for a plain-language explanation they could share with constituents.

Commissioners responded during the meeting with an explanation focused on the common level ratio and the intent to make assessed values reflect current market values. Commissioner John DeChristi, chair, said reassessment is intended to “bring the current values into place” and described the county’s presentation as revenue neutral: some properties will see increases, some decreases, and the county’s overall tax revenue would not increase solely because of reassessment unless a separate millage increase is approved.

DeChristi noted the county’s common level ratio (CLR) is fluid and cited recent changes (the transcript references the CLR around 45.47). He also said an informational one-page flyer about the assessment and a link to the assessment website would be shared as soon as it is live, and that staff would provide a breakdown showing how the common level ratio and assessed values affect taxes.

What the meeting record shows and does not show

- Commissioners stated the reassessment is intended to be revenue neutral and that any countywide tax increases would require a separate action; the transcript contains that assurance but also acknowledges uncertainty about future fiscal conditions. - The transcript records public frustration about individual impacts, including a speaker who said county taxes in his borough were as high as $5,500 annually. - The transcript does not include a detailed, line-by-line accounting for the 37% figure or case-by-case examples; commissioners promised to distribute explanatory materials and a web link.

Ending: Commissioners said they will provide the assessment website link and a one‑page informational flyer on how the common level ratio and reassessment affect taxpayer bills. The transcript shows residents seeking prompt, clear public information to explain the reassessment’s local effects.