In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the assessment and valuation of a 20-acre property, which has sparked contention between the property owners and the local assessor's office. The property, which includes both farm and non-farm use areas, has been valued at approximately $15,900 for tax purposes, a figure the owners contest as being inflated.

The property owners expressed frustration over the assessment process, highlighting discrepancies in the acreage reported and the valuation methods used. Initially, the owners claimed the property was 40 acres, but it was clarified that only 20 acres were under consideration, with 16 acres designated for farm use and four acres classified as non-farm use. The farm use was assessed at $350 per acre, while the non-farm use was valued at a higher rate.

Cecily Manning, the borough's assessor, defended the valuation, stating that it aligns with historical assessments and current market trends for agricultural land. She noted that the assessment reflects the property's mixed-use status and complies with legal standards for farm use valuation. Manning also indicated that while the current assessment remains unchanged, a review of the rates may occur in the following year.

The property owners, however, argued that the assessment does not accurately reflect the land's value, particularly given the presence of wetlands and other non-developable areas. They maintained that the valuation should be lower, emphasizing that the land has not appreciated significantly in value over the years.

As the meeting progressed, board members sought clarity on the assessment process and the rationale behind the current valuation. The discussion underscored the complexities involved in property assessments, particularly when distinguishing between farm and non-farm use, and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by landowners in navigating the bureaucratic landscape of property taxation.

The board is expected to deliberate further on the matter, with the potential for adjustments to the assessment based on the findings from the meeting and future evaluations.