Two topics arose during public comment of the monthly county commissioners meeting on Feb. 18.

During public comment, a county resident raised concerns about the Warren’s common level ratio and its impact on recent property tax appeals following the county wide reassessment.

The common level ratio is certified annually by the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization Board and is used by courts in property assessment appeals to help determine a property’s fair market value. The ratio reflects the relationship between assessed values and actual market sale prices within a county.

The resident questioned why a previously listed ratio of 13.89 percent was replaced with 100 percent and whether commissioners had submitted data to change the figure.

Commissioners responded that following a countywide reassessment, the CLR is legally reset to 100 percent because reassessed values are presumed to reflect fair market value.

Commissioners explained that property owners who filed appeals prior to the reassessment were challenging values set under the previous base year, when a fractional CLR still applied. In contrast, appeals filed after the reassessment are contesting newly established market-based values, which no longer require adjustment through a fractional ratio.

The resident maintained that documentation from the state board had previously reflected the 13.89 percent figure and questioned whether the ratio could legally be changed mid-cycle. Commissioners said they had not directed any discretionary alteration of the ratio, but rather that the adjustment reflects requirements tied to the reassessment’s effective date.

County officials acknowledged the complexity of the issue and agreed to have the county solicitor review the documentation referenced by the resident and provide clarification.

Broadband access was another major topic during public comment. Pleasant Township resident Gregory Burkett expressed concern about grant funding awarded to Verizon for broadband expansion.

Burkett questioned whether Verizon appeared to be targeting areas that he said already have broadband access through existing providers. He argued that limited public funds should be directed first to rural homes and roads that remain unserved.

Commissioners responded that the county itself did not select Verizon for the grant awards in question. Instead, they explained that Warren County joined a 10-county consortium to pursue federal broadband funding administered through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

According to commissioners, Verizon independently applied for and received certain grants directly through state and federal channels, separate from the county-led consortium effort.

Officials also cited challenges related to prevailing wage requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, which they said increased project costs and caused some providers to withdraw proposals.

The board acknowledged broadband expansion remains a priority for economic development but said supply constraints and labor costs continue to pose challenges nationwide.

Burkett also asked about previously discussed funds that had been referenced as potential matching dollars for broadband expansion. Commissioners said a portion of those funds remains available but noted that much of the broadband decision-making authority now rests with the regional consortium and state-level agencies.