Lowe’s assessment appeal resolved

During a workshop meeting Wednesday, the Schuylkill County Commissioners approved an assessment appeal resolution which involved Lowe’s Home Centers, the county’s Board of Assessment appeals, and St. Clair School District.

Glen Roth, county solicitor’s office, requested the approval. The parties have agreed to a fair market value of $5.5, effective Jan. 1, 2019, for the tax year 2019 and subsequent tax years.

After the meeting, Roth supplied information on the dollar amounts of the assessment change.

“The current assessment is $3,053,415, which equates to an approximate current fair market value of $7,340,000,” Roth said. “With the new current fair market value at $5,550,000, the total assessment would go from $3,053,415 to $2,308,000 which is a reduction of $745,415 — this is a reduction in revenue to the county of $11,911.73 per year.”

In other action requested by the solicitor’s office, the commissioners approved an insurance placement and risk management services agreement between the county and McGriff Insurance Services Inc. The term for the agreement is June 1, 2019, through June 1, 2020, for a fee of $28,581.

In other action, the commissioners approved a change order for $13,492 for work associated with the renovation of the Human Services Building, 410 N. Centre St. The breakdown of the work is:

• Upgrade vestibule and gypsum board on the walls, $5,782

• Install a bullet-resistant door in the magisterial court area, $4,419

• Additional transaction window (ADA level) in magisterial court area, $2,762

• Additional data shelf in magisterial court area, $528.