Year in Review: Tax assessment appeals cause stir in Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe Area School District caused quite a stir with a series of tax assessment appeals in May, leading to the discontinuation of the operation less than two weeks later.

Approximately 150 district home and business owners showed up to a school board meeting in May to contest the appeals, which could have yielded significant increases in tax rates.

Some residents presented evidence that their rates would double or even triple under the appeals.

During the meeting, board member John Ciavarella introduced a motion for a continuance, saying that such increases were “ridiculous.” The motion passed unanimously.

On May 19, a statement was released declaring that the district would cease pursuit of the appeals, and would work to reverse those that had already been conducted, citing that too many residents were unaware of the laws relating to tax assessment appeals.

“As a Community of Learners, the Jim Thorpe Area School District will develop and clearly communicate its intentions to properly inform all taxpayers of the current law and its plan for future assessment appeals,” the statement read.