Despite GOP Commissioner candidates' loud protestations against reassessment during this last week before the general election, the push for a tax-raising reassessment of Chester County real estate is actually coming from Republican quarters. Our opponents will be changing their tune, post election. Ironically, they have charged that we are planning reassessment. That is not true. Read below my answer and my teammate Kathi Cozzone's answer to the League of Women Voters/Daily Local News "Question of the Week" published on September 2, 2007.
Commissioners Forum: LWV & DLN
Question 2 09/02/2007
Older, "built-out" communities in Chester County are having trouble making ends meet in their budgets because of a stagnant tax base. How important is it for the county to begin property reassessment in the coming four years?
Today's question involves two subjects: revenue difficulties of built-out municipalities and the possibility of reassessment.
As part of our overall plan to preserve and enhance quality of life in Chester County, my running mate, Kathi Cozzone, and I are committed to encouraging smart growth in urban centers that will increase municipal revenues while providing an alternative to the sprawl that is devouring precious open space.
My eight years on West Chester Borough Council made me keenly aware of the revenue needs of our urban centers. Infrastructures are generally old and need repair. Municipal services are burdened by visiting and working nonresidents. Much of the real estate is not taxable because it is owned by government, nonprofits or religious groups. A staggering 30% of West Chester real estate is non-ratable. That's why Borough Council included my proposal for a revenue study commission in its revitalization plan. Unique revenue measures have been adopted or are under consideration. Likewise, Harrisburg must be pressed to enact reforms that will increase town revenues.
Reassessment is a costly undertaking. It has unintended consequences and may increase taxes on those least able to pay. The thought that reassessed commercial real estate will yield greater revenues ignores the assessment appeal process which often favors those represented by expensive lawyers. The system requires accurate assessments. However, there has been no proven need for reassessment by complicated formulas or otherwise.
Our current commissioners are serial tax raisers. While spending county funds to retain farmlands, they recently increased taxes by absurdly reassessing farms, thereby giving farmers an incentive to sell out to sprawl developers. My experience and Kathi Cozzone's knowledge as a corporate business manager will allow us to formulate solid financial and tax policies that will put the welfare of county taxpayers first.
Commissioners Forum: LWV & DLN
Question 2 09/02/2007
Older, "built-out" communities in Chester County are having trouble making ends meet in their budgets because of a stagnant tax base. How important is it for the county to begin property reassessment in the coming four years?
Budgets are tight in most of our boroughs and townships, and elected officials must be vigilant in their efforts to both maximize revenues and manage the bottom line. I do not believe that reassessment is the answer to this problem. Reassessment is a costly and time-consuming process, its effects on revenue uncertain. Before going down that road, we as county commissioners would conduct a thorough cost vs. benefit analysis as part of a countywide comprehensive Strategic Planning process which, in addition to economics, would consider if county policy is fair and equitable.
As commissioners, Bill Scott and I would weigh the promise of increased revenues against concerns over the ill effects reassessment might bring on seniors and others living on a fixed income, who may be forced to sell their homes if burdened with higher property tax bills. It is important for the county commissioners to understand how any decision they make affects different citizens of the county in different ways. Also, we are opposed to remedies such as Commissioner Carol Aichele's recent move to increase the assessment on farmers. We feel Aichele's policy is discriminatory and unfair, and, as commissioners, Bill Scott and I would work to find alternative sources of funding and fix Aichele's misguided action.
Finally, it is important that we not just react to immediate problems but build consensus around long-term solutions that address their root causes. Reassessment may only represent a "Band-Aid" solution. If elected, Bill Scott and I are committed to promoting Smart Growth policies for Chester County that encourage and facilitate investment in our older, built-out communities, thereby improving the tax base while enhancing the quality of life and decreasing the pressure for suburban and rural development.