Assessment appeal approved

A Bethlehem couple has successfully reduced their real estate tax bill, payable to Tamaqua Area School District.

Steven D. and Alyssa Martucci, who list an address in Bethlehem, purchased 66 Great Oaks Drive, Nesquehoning, in August 2017 for $550,000. In 2018, the county’s Board of Assessment used the purchase price, multiplied by a common level ratio of 41.6 percent and multiplied by 2, to reach an assessed value of $457,604.

The Martuccis appealed the valuation to the Schuylkill County Board of Assessment Appeals. After “extensive negotiations and based on the affected taxing districts’ review of comparable sales and appraisals,” stipulated to a fair market value of $385,000. During a meeting Wednesday, the Schuylkill County Commissioners approved the decision.