Testy reassess debate goes on

NANTICOKE – Tim Barr, chief technology officer and the public face of 21st Century Appraisals Inc., fielded numerous complaints from taxpayers, real estate professionals and legal experts at a public forum at Luzerne County Community College on Monday night.

Titled Reassessment Controversy Continues, WYOU Interactive sponsored the forum hashing out the ongoing issues tied to the county reassessment process.

Joining Barr on the receiving end of complaints was Luzerne County Assessment Director Tony Alu, who tried repeatedly to assure taxpayers the overall objective of the reassessment is “fairness.” Alu added that the county is not trying to hurt its population.

Approximately 80 audience members jeered loudly at times when Barr struggled to explain how the appeals process works, how some mistakes were made and what taxpayers can do to fight their reassessments.

At one point, when pinned down about an error, he said, “Maybe it was just a bad day.”

Another comment about the possible need for another reassessment in a couple of years drew loud protests as well.

Attorney Pete Moses, who is spearheading Luzerne County Taxbusters to help residents with assessment battles, challenged Barr repeatedly. Moses said some taxpayers are facing an 800 percent rise in their taxes based on “drive-by” evaluations by appraisers who are not state certified.

The burden of proof is borne by the taxpayers, Moses said. He said Barr’s group should be willing to reimburse those who must spend their time and hire lawyers for legal wrangles.

Barr pointed out that 21st Century has no “incentive” to overvalue properties. The idea is to appraise property at its current market value, he said.

Realtor Michelle Boice of Harveys Lake, a community that is a reassessment hot spot, said one trailer she sold for $62,000 in 2007 was assessed at $220,000, while another that was reassessed at $359,000 is not worth $50,000.

Mike Johnson, executive vice president for Lewith and Freeman Real Estate, stressed that local lake communities “got hammered.” He anticipates sales of homes in those areas to plummet with $20,000 annual tax burdens.

Moses drew laughter when he pointed out the assessment for a “certain church in Larksville” came in at $170,000. The Mission of Christ Church he referenced collapsed on Saturday.

Residents Santo Agati, from Harveys Lake, and Edie Brous, from the Dallas area, said they cannot get an understandable explanation about the calculations used. Gladys Hummel of Hanover Township asked if omission and undervaluation errors will also be addressed.

Alu advised residents to “be prepared” when making their appeals cases. Alu said that, overall, approximately 75 percent of the assessments were accepted.

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Property Reassessment

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