Friday, December 20, 2024

Schuylkill County Reassessment Update: Data Collection Complete, Tax Impact Analysis Expected in Spring


Timothy R. Barr, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Customer Relations & Technology at Vision Government Solutions has provided an update on the ongoing reassessment process in Schuylkill County.

The first phase of the reassessment timeline has been completed as of the end of November.

Data Collection and Verification

Over the past year, the county conducted a full sweep of property visits, verifying measurements and data for every parcel. As of now, more than 94% of data entry has been completed. 

To involve the public, the county has sent Data Verification Mailers (DVMs) to over 42,000 residential property owners, with additional mailers planned in the coming weeks. These mailers allow property owners to review and confirm their property details. To date, there has been a 9% response rate through mail, email, and phone calls.

Mapping and Neighborhood Review

An initial review of neighborhood location mapping has also been completed. 

Public Engagement and Next Steps

In the first quarter of 2025, the county will host a series of educational meetings to inform property owners about the reassessment methodology and what to expect moving forward.

Preliminary property value estimates, expected in the spring of 2025, will include a “tax impact” analysis. This feature will help property owners understand how changes in property values and corresponding reductions in millage rates might affect their tax obligations. Following this, property owners will have the opportunity to schedule informal reviews to discuss their data in person.

Timeline to Completion

Official property values are slated to be mailed by July 1, 2025. Property owners who wish to contest their valuations can then pursue formal appeals. The updated assessments will take effect in 2026, coinciding with lower millage tax rates from all taxing bodies in the county.