Potter County Today

Potter County Tax Assessment Office has added more than $2.9 million to the county’s tax base over the past 14 months, due in large part to field work taking place across the county to locate new construction and property improvements. Chief Assessor Jacob Ostrom reports an increase in new home construction and additions since late 2019. The county’s real estate tax base increase represents approximately $11.5 million in added market value. Real estate taxes levied by school districts, boroughs, townships and the county government are applied to a property’s assessed value. As a result of the tax base additions, the county government will receive an estimated $54,000 more in real estate taxes this year. School districts and municipalities will also see higher tax revenue.

Ostrom’s job grew harder several years ago when the state legislature eliminated the position of township and borough tax assessor. In prior years, these elected officials were responsible for finding and reporting new construction and improvements. Today, the Assessment Office relies primarily on building permit records and visual inspections to update tax records.

In an effort to help Potter County residents and organizations to properly retire worn U.S. flags, the Potter County Commissioners have placed a deposit box in their administrative office at the F.W. Gunzburger County Office Building. Please use the Main Street entrance. The box is located in the second office on the left.

When an American flag becomes worn out or torn, the U.S. Flag Code dictates how to respectfully retire it. The commissioners will make certain that all of the proper retirement procedures are followed. Citizens are also advised that local veterans service organizations accept worn or torn flags for retirement during ceremonies held each year on Flag Day, June 14.