Summary Outcome of our Findings
While it is generally agreed that basing assessments on current market values is beneficial, our research has uncovered several multifaceted issues. According to the county:
"Based on a typical countywide reassessment, about one-third of the tax base will see a decrease in their tax bills, one-third will stay the same, and one-third will pay more. A change to an individual’s property taxes depends on whether the increase in the 1975 value to a January 1, 2025 market value is more or less than the average increase experienced in the taxing district."
(Source: Clarion County Reassessment 2026)
Our calculations, excluding Clean & Green discounts, indicate that:
- 19% of taxpayers would see a decrease in taxes totaling $459,330.
- 3% would experience no change.
- 78% would see an increase in taxes totaling $4,019,090.
If all eligible taxpayers take advantage of the Clean & Green program:
- 30% would see a decrease in taxes totaling $668,830.
- 4% would remain unchanged.
- 66% would see an increase in taxes totaling $2,379,710.
UPDATE: AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT APPEARS THE TAX BURDEN FOR C&G WILL SHIFT TO OTHER PROPERTY OWNERS. READ MORE HERE.
The county also states:
"Pennsylvania state law requires that after the tax base has been equalized and brought to current market value, the millage must be reduced to collect the same revenue as in the previous year. After the equalized millage is set, if the taxing body needs additional revenue, they may collect it, but they are limited by law on how much additional revenue can be collected in the year following the countywide reassessment."
(Source: Clarion County Reassessment 2026)
Our findings, excluding Clean & Green discounts, show that property reassessments will increase county tax revenue by 44% higher, from $8,050,810 to $11,610,570, resulting in an additional $3,559,760 in revenue.
If all eligible taxpayers utilize the Clean & Green program, the county's revenue increase would be 21% higher, from $8,050,810 to $9,761,690, adding $1,710,880 in revenue.
Despite these projections, the assessments don’t always align with expected property values. Discrepancies exist on both ends, raising questions about the accuracy of the reassessment process.
For instance, we’ve identified cases where newer homes (built within the past eight years) face higher tax burdens despite no improvements or changes to the properties during that time. While assessed values should reflect market changes, millage rates should decrease proportionally, keeping tax burdens relatively consistent. These inconsistencies suggest a need for closer scrutiny of the reassessment process.