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Residents press York County commissioners over steep assessment increases
Summary
Multiple residents told commissioners that recent property‑assessment notices show large increases (one resident said her assessed value rose from $121,000 to $290,000) and asked where to find authoritative information; commissioners outlined the protest/hearing process and said some local glitches are being investigated.
Several residents raised alarm about dramatic increases on recent property‑assessment notices during the public‑comment period at the June 11 York County commissioners meeting.
"My assessment was at 121,000. I got a letter 10 days ago that said the assessment was now 290,000," said Carol Bapt, who identified herself as a resident at 1629 East Worth and said she uses a homestead exemption. She told the board she had filed one protest that was not approved and asked the commissioners where residents could find authoritative, “horse’s mouth” information on assessments and appeals.
Another resident, Morris, said he had heard rumors that assessment notices mailed to residents were inaccurate and that he had not seen an official correction. Commissioner discussion later in the meeting described the legal and administrative steps for protests: protesters generally must present comparables and other evidence to the county Board of Equalization, and unresolved disputes may be appealed to the state.
Commissioners and staff addressed process and next steps. The chair and other commissioners said the assessor must value property under state statute and that the board cannot arbitrarily change valuations without comparables. Commissioners noted there was “a glitch in the city of York” that the assessor’s office is working to correct and announced that formal protest hearings and subsequent calendar items will follow the county’s standard process. The board also signaled plans for a public budget forum in August to walk residents through valuation numbers and the budget process.
What residents can do: commissioners said protesters should prepare comparables for review by the Board of Equalization and that the county treasurer will provide lists of delinquent properties pursuant to statute when requested. The board emphasized that valuation does not automatically translate into tax increases — those depend on the upcoming budget and mill levy decisions by political subdivisions.
The board did not take a policy vote on assessments at the meeting; commissioners said the regular protest and budget calendar will govern next steps.
