Lackawanna County Reassessment SHS 3-5-25

The Lackawanna County Reassessment meeting held by ECTV on March 5, 2025, focused on the countywide property reassessment process, which had not been updated since 1968. Representatives from Tyler Technologies explained the methodology used to assess properties based on current market values, emphasizing fairness and equity across residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and exempt properties. They addressed common concerns about potential tax increases, clarifying that reassessment adjusts property values but does not directly increase tax revenues, as millage rates are adjusted to maintain revenue neutrality. The meeting included detailed explanations of data collection, valuation models, and the appeals process for property owners. Community members raised questions about transparency, the impact on taxes, and specific properties such as the Keystone landfill and industrial sites. Officials assured that all properties would be reassessed fairly, with opportunities for informal and formal appeals, and that reassessment data would be made publicly available after certification. The discussion highlighted the importance of updated assessments for equitable tax distribution and addressed public concerns about the reassessment's implications on tax burdens and government spending.