West Branch Valley Association of Realtors® helps repeal school board decision

West Branch Valley Association of Realtors® successfully encouraged the South Williamsport Area School District to repeal appealing the assessments of all new residents last week. The school district did not adequately advertise the new policy, which was slated to begin in October, in the public notices, rather it was placed within the agenda as another “agenda item.”

West Branch Valley Realtors® sprang into action. WBVAR Association Executive Angela Fisher and PAR Field Operations Manager Chuck Liedike prepared Realtors® to attend the next school board meeting and raise their concerns.

“We would have had to disclose to potential buyers that their taxes would be raised, thanks to the assessment,” said Realtor® Lori Solomon, and a member of the WBVAR board of directors. “It was an unfair process, homeowners would be holding the bulk of the tax burden.”

Solomon spoke at the next school board meeting on Oct. 1. “I did a lot of homework and research regarding the impact it would have on the community,” said Solomon. “I don’t believe the school board realized it would impact more than the school taxes, but also the municipal and county taxes. It wasn’t just that portion going up, it was all three, increasing up to $2,500 per year. We asked lenders to speak, as well as borough manager and council. There were other government agencies as well to help us through the process.”

After the meeting, local Realtors® continued to make their voices heard, with many contacting the school board asking them to reverse their decision. The school board met on Oct. 9, the day before the appealing process was to begin, and more than 100 people attended the meeting, with five Realtors®, including Solomon, speaking.

“The market changes,” she said. “This year, we had such low inventory, people were paying asking price and above. The price they paid doesn’t necessarily show value, so that was another argument. The purchase price reflects many things, including other offers. The problem we were afraid of is that it would impact the value of their property in the end. With higher taxes, buyers wouldn’t be able to afford the same price.”

Two hours after the start of the meeting, the school board voted 6-2 to repeal the policy and end the appeals.