Pennsylvania’s America 250 organization will be hosting a Potter County Kickoff from 12:45 pm to 2 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the courtroom. Members of the public are encouraged to attend, using the courthouse’s Second Street entrance. America250PA has taken to the road, working with all 67 Pennsylvania counties to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, while highlighting the impact of each county’s people on our past, present and future. Light refreshments and America250 materials will be available during a social time before and after the formal program, which is expected to start at approximately 1 pm. Agenda is as follows:
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Opening Remarks by America250PA
- Welcome by Commissioner Nancy Grupp
- State Senator Cris Dush
- State Representative Martin Causer
- Recognition of special guests
- Local updates/notes of interest from David Castano, Potter Co. Historical Society
- Presentation of the Potter County 250 Flag and Closing
An extended America250 celebration continues, spearheaded by the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS), represented by David Castano; and Allegewi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, represented by Ilene Altenhein. Commissioner Paul Heimel is county liaison with the America250PA organization. Those interested in becoming involved should contact PCHS (814-274-4410) or DAR/Allegewi Chapter (814-274-9798).
The Potter County Commissioners approved a countywide property reassessment during their Dec. 23 meeting. The multi-year project is designed to ensure that school district, municipal and county property taxes are fair and that they reflect current market conditions.
All properties within Potter County will be reviewed and reassessed. Groundwork is set to begin in the first quarter of 2026. The project will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2028, with the new assessed values becoming effective on Jan. 1, 2029. Current property values were established during the county’s most recent reassessment, dating back to 1976-77. Conducting a reassessment to reflect changes in market conditions over the past several decades was among the recommendations contained in the Kafferlin Strategies LLC intensive study of the county government in 2024-25.
Purpose of a reassessment is not to raise taxes, but rather to create an equitable distribution of the tax burden. An analysis of countywide reassessments conducted across Pennsylvania dating back many years suggests that roughly one-third of property owners will see a decrease in taxes, one-third will stay about the same, and one-third will see an increase.
Vision Government Solutions, Inc. has been contracted to conduct the reassessment. Vison is responsible for updating the Assessment Office’s computer software, collecting specified property data in the field, developing new Fair Market Values, calculating Act 319 preferential assessment (“Clean and Green”) values, conducting the informal reviews, and providing certified assessors to assist the county with formal appeals. To ensure full transparency, outreach efforts, including public meetings, mailed notifications, and online property information tools, will keep residents informed throughout the process. Additional information about the reassessment will be provided in the near future, including the establishment of a dedicated website with full details.
Potter County’s colorful “Liberty Bell” was unveiled on Friday at the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building, where it remains on display to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Local artist Miriam Howe (third from left) was commissioned by the Potter County Historical Society (PCHS) to paint the 3’ by 3’ fiberglass replica of the real Liberty Bell that hangs at the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania’s America250 organization has been working with officials in all 67 counties to arrange for individual bells to be prominently displayed as a symbol of American independence and the ongoing struggle for freedom. Speaking at Friday’s ceremony were, from left, Julia Kolat, Potter County Historical Society; Commissioner Nancy Grupp; artist Miriam Howe; Cassandra Coleman, America250PA executive director; Commissioner Paul Heimel, State Senator Cris Dush and Commissioner Robert Rossman.
At the same time, PCHS has been working with students at Potter County schools who are creating single-dimension Liberty Bell replicas which depict local heritage. They will be displayed at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum. Students from Northern Potter High School brought their bell to Friday’s ceremony, where they presented the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance and led the singing of “God Bless America.”
Real estate taxes in Potter County will remain at their current rate in 2026. In addition, Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Robert Rossman and Paul Heimel have decided not to collect the $5.00 per-capita tax that many other counties levy. Actions were finalized at the commissioners’ business meeting on Nov. 26. A copy of the county’s draft 2026 operating budget is available for public review at the commissioners administrative office in the Gunzburger Building. It calls for spending of just over $14 million, an increase of $265,000 from the current spending plan — subject to revision before final adoption later this month. Real estate taxes will remain at 24 mills. A mill is one-tenth of one percent, levied against a property’s assessed value. Because state law prohibits county governments from collecting an earned income tax, similar to the levies of townships, boroughs and school districts, property owners bear the heaviest tax burden.
Potter County Human Services (PCHS) has received numerous inquiries from individuals and families who are concerned about the potential suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits that could begin for some recipients as early as Saturday. Human Services Administrator Thomas Patterson reports that the agency is working with community partners to link those in need with appropriate support as needed. Individuals with unmet needs are advised to call 211 to reach a regional resource navigator, or they can reach PCHS directly at 1-800-800-2560.
Marsha Dippold (second from left) has directed employment support services across the region for many years through Dickinson Center Inc. She accepted a copy of a Potter County proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month from Commissioners (from left) Paul Heimel, Nancy Grupp and Robert Rossman.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is being recognized in the region, thanks largely to a concerted effort by Marsha Dippold of Dickinson Center Inc. Dippold, director of employment support services (ESS) at Dickinson, said the agency has helped dozens of individuals with disabilities find employment in Cameron, Potter, Elk and McKean counties. During a presentation to the Potter County Commissioners, she reported that a record number of that county’s disabled residents have been placed in jobs through ESS over the past year.
Clients are provided with assistance through the entire job search process, from constructing resumes, practicing interview skills, and applying for jobs. The support continues after being hired until the employee, employer, and employment specialist are all confident that the job can be performed independently. Disabled individuals with full or part-time jobs take fewer medications, enjoy reduced rates of heart disease and have lower suicide rates. Employment opportunities also allow the disabled to eliminate or lessen their dependence on government assistance programs by supplementing that income with earned income.
Nationwide, the unemployment rate for the disabled is twice that of the non-disabled. “Finding work puts these individuals one step closer to independence,” Dippold said. “We need to continue to educate the community and reach out to local businesses and industry. There’s a staggering amount of untapped potential in our region.”