A decision by Sharon council Thursday to appeal the reassessments of about 30 city properties may save the city from losing about $330,000 in expected 2003 tax revenue.

Prior to the reassessments approved by Mercer County Board of Assessment Appeals, the properties were assessed at a total of approximately $11,650,000.

But after hearing appeals from the property owners, the county chopped the total assessment down to about $3 million. The reassessments take effect in 2003.

At the city's current 37-mill tax rate, the properties would bring in approximately $431,000 in taxes. If the reassessments stand, the city will see about $110,000 in taxes from the properties.

"This is very disappointing," said Councilman Lou Rotunno. "I'd like to have someone from Mercer (county) explain that to me."

Rotunno also didn't understand how the county came up with the new numbers, and asked council President Fred Hoffman to invite someone from the assessment office to the next council meeting.

"This is certainly something we don't need," said Rotunno.

He also wondered if people complaining about the 36 percent county property tax hike approved last month was the reason the assessments were reduced.

The Mercer County Board of Assessment Appeals is made up of the three county commissioners. Property owners come to the board and attempt to "show cause why the assessment is too high," said Michael DeForest, county revenue director.

Approximately 150- properties in the county are granted reassessments in an average year, Deforest said

Some of the Sharon properties that had assessments substantially lowered included: