The last two times I visited Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners, the skies darkened and water came cascading down from the heavens, turning Route 22 into a river. It's almost as though Someone was giving me a not too subtle message, but I paid no attention. Last night, I went again, and to my relief, there was no rain. This time it snowed, and I slid all the way home. But not before learning that Lehigh County is dead serious about reassessment, so get ready.Last time Lehigh County did a reassessment, in 1991, we still had a Warsaw Pact. Executive Don Cunningham called for a reassessment in his budget message, but I thought that would not actually take place for several years. I thought wrong.
At last night's Commissioners' meeting, a trifecta of ills were introduced to pave the way toward reassessment. Commissioner Percy Dougherty explained that assessors will be trained to do the job in house, at a cost of about $500,000 to $1 million, instead of the exorbitant prices paid to do it with outside help, which can cost as much as $11 million.
One piece of legislation sets aside $226,000 so that the County can photograph all 130,000 properties. One program being purchased, at a bargain price of just $31,000 will detect changes in a property, like new garages, sheds and swimming pools.
I wonder if it will pick up Pawlowski's mancave.
No word yet on the cost of the black helicopters taking the pictures, but I think they're starting with the tea party.
In Northampton County, where reassessment is just as badly needed, there is no political will.
Actually Bernie, now that the housing bubble has burst it may be the right time to do this.
ReplyDeleteThis timing would be much more fair to both new residents and those who have been in the same home for decades.
I was always nervous about reassessment being done at a time when 1000 sf cape cods were selling for $300k.
The Northampton County Council talks a good game but lets see if they have the political gravitas to tackle this issue. It won't get any easier.
Selling Gracedale and making villains out of nurses is one thing but do they have the stomach to do a "real" right thing?
The Decider!
Nobody has made villains out of nurses. That's just more grandstanding. But NC is badly in need of reassessment, and this might be a good time.
ReplyDeletereassessment's are exercises in misappraisals. it takes years and years of appeals to straighten out the mistakes and approach equity. as an interesting side note, greg fineberg was the leading assessment appeal attorney in the valley, after the 1990 assessment.
ReplyDeletereassessment is long overdue. I hope they follow through.
ReplyDeleteexpect more trash moves to come from cunningham. he has nothing to lose as he already is a lame duck loser
ReplyDeleteAppeals by large business and retail have place a greater burden homeowners. I think it should be bi-county.
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