SCRANTON, Pa. — Commissioners in Lackawanna County have voted to move forward with a property tax reassessment, which hasn't been done in the county since the 1960s.
Reassessment in Lackawanna County has been a debated topic for decades. Wednesday's vote gets the county closer than it's ever been in that time to reassessing every taxable property.
With a reassessment, the county can't collect more in taxes than before, but it redistributes the tax burden. Some people would pay more, some less, and some tax bills would stay the same.
"In order to continue our economic development, we needed to reassess. It's over 54 years, and it was something that was necessary and good and right," said Lackawanna County Commissioner Jerry Notarianni.
Commissioner Chris Chermak voted against the reassessment. His concerns are for homeowners on a fixed income, especially senior citizens, and how it could affect their taxes.
"They've been in their house for 50, 50-plus years. They're the ones that are going to be affected the most. So I'm concerned about having a plan in place to help these folks," said Chermak.
"People will hopefully not be as opposed to reassessment, and maybe it'll take the scare tactic out of it. If they know that there will be alternatives and programs to help anyone who was affected negatively who can't afford it," said Commissioner Debi Domenick.
Once the assessment is completed, Lackawanna County residents may be paying less or more in property taxes. And whether it's good or bad, most of the people we spoke with say they're just glad that it's finally happening."
"I think the cogs of government, whether it's federal or local, they move at their own pace. I do think it's a shame, but I'm glad we're finally getting there," said Scranton resident Chris Shute.
"I have an old home 120-, 130-year-old home. I pay $2,600 in taxes. That's way too much, way too much. And I don't know if taxes will go down if they reassess them or not, but I think they should try it anyway," added Scranton resident Joe Edwards.
Commissioners still must vote on the terms of the final contract before it can begin. All three commissioners agreed that going forward, the next assessment shouldn't wait another 50 years.
Watch the commissioners' meeting here:
Check out WNEP's YouTube page.