Adams County Director of Tax Services Daryl Crum told the commissioners on Wednesday that the total county-wide assessed property value is close to $10 billion. Crum said the county tax base includes 45,131 taxable parcels, of which about 72 percent are homes ( properties with dwellings having less than four units and located on less than 10 acres).
Crum said $1.2 billion of the total assessed value must be deducted from the tax rolls for parcels that are tax-exempt, including government buildings, schools, churches, battlefields, and others. He said that tax-exempt property status is determined by process established by state tax law. Applicants must pass a five-prong test. “Just because the parcel owner has established non-profit status doesn’t mean they are immediately exempt,” he said.
All Adams Count property owners have a right to file a property tax appeal in writing from any real estate assessment on or before 4:30 p.m., Aug. 1, 2023. Crum said these appeals may take place online or in person. “We began the Zoommeetings during Covid, and they have been very successful,” Crum said. Crum said there are about 100 appeals annually.
The county per capita tax of $5 is assessed on 76,826 Adams County residents over 18. This tax was initially established, Crum said, as a way of taking away some of the burdens of taxes paid by property owners.
Support specialist lauded
Loretta Weaver, a webmaster and IT department support specialist, was honored by the commissioners and county staff on her departure after twenty-one years of service to the county.
“No one has done it as well as you,” said IT department CIO Phil Walter. “We are losing the official voice of the IT department,” he said, adding that Weaver’s pleasant personality and helpful demeanor have set the tone for everything they’ve wanted in the department.
When asked to comment on her career, Weaver gave kudos to others she shared workspace with. “Every single one of them has been great,” she said. “It has been my pleasure to work for the county for 21 years.”
Commissioner James Martin noted her solid interpersonal skills. “I appreciate the good years you gave us,” he said.
Tax jobs hard to fill
As the county tax office takes on the role of tax collector for Germany township, Commissioner Randy Phiel wants to assure everyone that the county is not seeking to take over tax collection services. “The smaller municipalities simply are having trouble getting someone to run for that office,” he said. Phiel added that additional county staff may be needed if the trend continues.
In other board business, the board approved a $7,215 service agreement with AL Fence Company to build a 66-foot-long safety fence around the perimeter of the glass recycling site at the county Department of Emergency Services building. “This is good for Adams County and good for recycling,” said Phiel. County manager Steve Nevada said the site is not open yet, but when it is, it will likely be accessible twice a month. All glass dropped off at the site must be clean.
Shatter-proof resistant window film will be attached to the ground floor windows of the Adams County Courthouse, excluding the historic courthouse. PA Window Tint will provide the service. The total cost to the county is about $18,000, which will be paid for with grant funds from the administrative office of the Pennsylvania Courts.
Featured image caption: The county commissioners honored Loretta Weaver, IT department, for 21 years of service.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Tax’s are to high here in Adams county, we need another alternative. Wish I had a suggestion other then requiring everyone to have ID to vote. Perhaps that would get rid of the illegals in the county that are soaking resources that the taxpayes are paying for?
Thanks. Good information about the property value and taxes.
Thanks for reading.
jcs