Lock Haven council votes to seek county assessment appeal on 300 Belmont Avenue tax status

Council debated whether to pursue an appeal of the tax‑exempt status for the multi‑parcel property at 300 Belmont Avenue and ultimately approved a motion directing the solicitor to file with the Clinton County Board of Assessments.

Staff explained the parcel is currently listed as tax‑exempt even though portions are used by a commercial tenant (Family Dollar). A council speaker argued the Family Dollar portion ‘‘is not a charity’’ and contended the city loses revenue when profit‑making uses occupy property listed as tax‑exempt. Staff estimated the revenue at stake for the Dollar General portion at roughly $2,100 per year, while acknowledging the overall return would depend on assessment changes and potential legal outcomes.

Several council members cautioned that state precedent and prior county decisions complicate the legal prospects; one speaker noted past appeals had failed when a trust or state affiliation was involved. Others argued the city should at least register a formal challenge to record the concern and potentially recover county and school district shares if successful.

Motion and vote: The council moved to proceed with filing an appeal (resolution/motion language as recorded in the packet). On the roll call, the motion carried with a majority of members voting 'Yes' and at least one recorded 'No' vote (Council member Morris). The council did not adopt a binding settlement or change assessments at the meeting; the action directs the solicitor to initiate the appeal process.

Next steps: The solicitor will proceed as directed; any outcome, including possible pilot discussions, reassessment or county/school district coordination, will return to council as required.