MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata County homeowners are encouraged to attend a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. March 4 at the Juniata County Courthouse to learn details about the countywide reassessment.

The reassessment has been a frequent topic of discussion since early 2024, when the project was first brought to the attention of the Juniata County Commissioners. The county has not conducted a reassessment since 1973, meaning property owners currently pay county, municipal and school taxes based on values set more than 50 years ago.

A countywide reassessment determines accurate and equitable values for all properties. Officials said it is required by law and is not intended to raise taxes but to ensure fairness.

Sarah Jordan, a representative of Vision Government Solutions Inc., provided an update during Tuesday’s commissioners meeting. She announced the town hall and said preliminary value notices are being mailed this week, with most property owners expected to receive them within the next week.

Jordan said the letters may appear different or overwhelming but contain key information. One section lists the prior assessment year as 1973 and the new value under 2026, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. Property owners will be able to compare old and new values. Those enrolled in the Clean and Green program will see both values listed; those not enrolled will see zero listed for the old value and a potential value under 2026. Jordan strongly encouraged eligible owners to enroll.

Another section, labeled “county impact statement,” estimates what county taxes could look like based on the new assessed value. She noted that figure reflects county taxes only and does not include municipal or school taxes.

Each letter also lists a website where owners can review data collected about their property, including bedroom count, roof structure and acreage. Owners are responsible for verifying accuracy.

“At the informal review, we cannot discuss value discrepancies only — for instance, if you notice something that is not accurate, say you have two bedrooms and your letter has you down for four, that is a discrepancy you can call about and schedule your review,” Jordan said.

She encouraged property owners to schedule an informal review to learn more about their parcel and ask questions unrelated to value. Preliminary notices include contact information to schedule reviews by email at JuniataReassessment@vgsi.com or at (717) 436-7752.

Informal review meetings will be held March 16 through April 3 at the Port Royal Community Building. Appointments are 15 minutes per parcel; owners with multiple parcels must schedule separate appointments. Available times are Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jordan said the call center schedules appointments only and cannot answer questions.

The Juniata County Reassessment Office, located at 26 N. Main St., is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In other business, Commissioners approved several agenda items, including an agreement between Juniata County and Children and Youth caseworker Myessiah Herrold to attend the Child Welfare Education for Leadership Program part time at no cost to the county.

Commissioners also:

-Accepted the resignation of Angelica Ybarra from her position with Juniata County Children and Youth, effective at the end of business March 1;

-Accepted the resignation of Trey Lauver from his position with the Juniata County Probation Office, effective at the end of business Feb. 20;

-Approved tax exonerations for Fermanagh Township and Lack Township;

-Approved the certification statement for county Children and Youth social service programs for Nov. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025.