By NATASHA BRENNEMAN
Staff writer
Clarion County commissioners announced Tuesday that the county’s assessment office is in the process of updating tax records for each municipality in the county.
The ongoing procedure is designed to ensure uniformity and consistency throughout the county.
Field reviews will be conducted in each township and borough using several methods.
Almost all Clarion County improvements that are 48 square feet and above are assessed. Exceptions include licensed mobile homes, dog houses, outhouses and any other improvements that have been exempted by the county’s board of appeals.
All sheds and outbuildings will be taxed whether they are on skids, piers or permanently attached to the ground.
Commissioners said taxpayers can review their records in the assessment office to make sure they are up to date.
The county is not re-assessing properties but just updating current values based on previously submitted building permits and identifying construction projects that failed to receive a permit, according to the commissioners.
In other business Tuesday, commissioners said another Skywarn spotter program will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Strattanville fire hall.
The 90-minute class will teach participants how to be a Skywarn spotter for the National Weather Service.
The class is sponsored by the Clarion County Office of Emergency Services and the Jefferson County Department of Public Safety in partnership with the Weather Service.
Commissioners also approved the renewal of a contract with the Erie County coroner’s office for assistance with autopsies for Clarion County.
The contract is for $10,000 and another $950 for each autopsy.
Commissioners also approved a motion to start a fund that would go toward maintaining and restoring statues and memorials in Veterans Park.
“I took my salary increase this year and donated it to the fund,” commissioner Ted Tharan said.
County treasurer Tom McConnell said he would start the paperwork to open the account.