Updated Blair County reassessment values were mailed out this week. WTAJ has received many complaints from property owners that their taxes have doubled, even tripled. One person told us their annual taxes went from $1,400 to $4,000, while another gentleman said his only went up $72.
The reassessment process has left many confused and angry. Blair County Commissioner Bruce Erb said the new tax values are just estimates and are not set in stone. He urges residents who have concerns or complains to go online where they can file an appeal, which you have 40 days to do so.
Click Here: Interpreting Your Change of Assessment Notice
Still many property owners say the process is unfair. Joseph Zolna owns a home on 7th Avenue in Altoona. He said the value of his property went from $52,000 to $133,000.
“It seems unrealistic to me,” said Zolna. “The amount I paid for the house and the assessment value are two different things. I feel like we’re getting punished for buying a property and fixing it up in this area.”
Zolna said his tax increase was more than $750 and he feels like he is paying for people who don’t take care of their properties.
Blair County property owners have 40 days to appeal. For more details go to the County’s web site.
