West Penn Archery Club was denied its appeal for exemption of its clubhouse from real estate taxes while Tamaqua Area Water Authority and Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad Inc. were successful in their appeals, according to rulings made by the Schuylkill County Assessments Appeal Board which held a one day session at the courthouse in Pottsville.

The archery club sought an exemption on a hardship basis. It claimed it was forced to construct a new building only because its former building was destroyed in a fire in 2001. It claims it is a non-profit organization since 1998, and although its archery club holds annual tournaments, that it does not realize a profit from the event. It has 80 members.The board ruled no change in the tax structure and kept the market value of the property at $106,059 and assessment at $53,030.THe Tamaqua Area Water Authority received exemption for its parcel of land in Rush Township on which it has erected a huge water tank holding millions of gallons of water which serves 560 RushTownship residents.Ryan Township Emergency Rescue Squad Inc, 9 Third Avenue, Barnesville, received an exemption for its two story dwelling in Park Crest which is used strictly by volunteers performing rescue services.Other decisionsThe appeal of Larry Faust, 72 Grier Avenue, Barnesville, for reduction of assessment on his property was dismissed because he failed to appear for his hearing. The property's current market value on the county tax books stands at $721,893 and is assessed at $36,445.The appeal of 420 East Broad Street Association, LLP, of Allentown, seeking a reduction on the market value of its property at 420 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, was denied as the board ruled no change.