I have watched the debate in our community with concern because it’s the wrong one. The Concerned Citizens believe taxes are too high. I understand that the elderly widow or young family struggles to live in their modest home and pay their taxes. I also believe strongly that high taxes stifle new housing development, home remodeling, and the jobs they would create out of fear of high tax assessments. This is what high taxes do; suppress private investment and job creation.
Tax reassessment will change none of this. It will cost the county millions of dollars, shuffle the cards and the final outcome, no one will be happy with. The Concerned Citizens may very well raise the burden of some under-assessed properties but they may pay higher taxes as a result. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot.
All citizens who feel their tax assessment is unfair may appeal their taxes to the Tax Appeals Board. This board, made up of citizens from all walks of life, is smart and diligent and is tasked with assuring tax fairness. The tax assessment office is staffed with knowledgeable personnel ready to explain how the process works. Come prepared with your facts and present your case. Do your homework.
Taxes, in relation to the average income of Clearfield County citizens, are too high and it’s only going to get worse. The State is running huge deficits. Look for them to raise taxes, cut fund transfers to the county, school districts, and Municipalities. This is creating a fiscal crisis at the local level unfunded mandates are already. The solutions are clear, raise taxes, cut services, or consolidate otherwise the county, school districts, and municipalities are left with rotten choices. This should be the debate not rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Joan Robinson McMillen
Clearfield County Commissioner
Clearfield