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Would it be a good idea to …

… start the groundwork this year for Luzerne County’s next property reassessment?

The last reckoning of real estate across the county – an $8 million, highly unpopular undertaking – took place six years ago.

Prior to that, elected county commissioners of both political parties had delayed and ducked the task since the 1960s. Their laxity resulted in wildly unfair tax bills, with an estimated 66 percent of property owners shouldering either too much or too little of the burden. One-third of property owners were deemed to be paying their fair share.

A recent review of property sales indicates Luzerne County’s assessments are among the most accurate in Pennsylvania, according to an article in Tuesday’s edition of the Times Leader. Purchase prices in 2014 landed a mere 2.3 percent below assessments, the state Tax Equalization Board’s analysis showed.

Nevertheless, certain people argue that pockets of the area, especially in Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre, continue to contend with out-of-whack assessments. Among the advocates for a new review: Councilman Stephen J. Urban. In March, he voiced his support for a reassessment.

A council majority, so far, has shied away from the costly project. In 2013, the council’s members were advised it would take about two years from the time they green-lighted a reassessment until its completion. Estimated price tag: $2 million.

Should the current council give its OK to start the process this year, meaning the next reassessment would wrap up sometime in 2017? Or does it make sense to wait at least another two years before beginning, separating this project’s termination from the last one by a full decade?

Might it be wise to hold off until sales figures and assessments differ by 15 percent? 20 percent?

Or is now the time?

Give us your feedback by sending a letter to the editor or posting comments to this editorial at timesleader.com.

Likewise, tell us your ideas for improving the community and making area residents’ lives better. Maybe we’ll spotlight your suggestion in a future editorial and ask readers, “Would it be a good idea to …”