Newspaper: Tax appeals up 40 percent in Berks County

Frustrated by the inability of state lawmakers to eliminate or significantly reduce property taxes, more Berks County homeowners are trying a different tactic to save money.

The number of property tax assessment appeals in Berks County has risen by 40 percent in the past year, according to the Reading Eagle.

That should keep the three-member county appeals board busy over the next few months, according to reporter Holly Herman.

From her story:

Board members said assessments are reduced in most cases, which usually involve homes built in the past decade.

Duane J. Rashlich, director to the county assessment office, said it's too early to tell if the lowered assessments will have a negative impact on municipal, school, or county taxes.

"With the offset of new construction, it could be a wash," he said. "We are cutting a lot of values on properties, but we are also picking up new construction."

Rashlich said he plans to provide the municipalities with updated real estate values by Nov. 1.

Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.