Fontana Re-Introduces Assessment Moratorium Legislation

Fontana Re-Introduces Assessment Moratorium Legislation

BROOKLINE, September 30, 2011 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today filed legislation imposing a moratorium on all court-ordered assessments in the Commonwealth through November 2012, or until the state acts on assessment reforms. There are seven co-sponsors on the legislation.

“In Western PA, and especially Allegheny County, it seems a bit like ‘Groundhog Day’ as we continue to call for changes to the assessment system. I am extremely grateful that seven of my colleagues have joined me in co-sponsoring this legislation, but am disappointed that more members don’t see the need for changes,” said Fontana. “While I understand that the counties they represent are not faced with a reassessment, it doesn’t change the fact that there is an inequity here that we have to address. A state-wide moratorium will allow us to help Allegheny County communities avoid the tremendous burden that comes with reassessment while protecting homeowners and reforming the current system.” Read more

County hopefuls support statewide assessment

Saturday, October 01, 2011

By Len Barcousky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Both candidates for Allegheny County executive threw their support behind statewide standards for property assessment and backed alternatives to real estate taxes.

Democrat Rich Fitzgerald and Republican D. Raja made their remarks during a panel discussion Friday before members of the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh. Read more

Fontana Re-Introduces Assessment Moratorium Legislation

BROOKLINE, September 30, 2011 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today filed legislation imposing a moratorium on all court-ordered assessments in the Commonwealth through November 2012, or until the state acts on assessment reforms.  There are seven co-sponsors on the legislation.

Earlier this month, the county was ordered to complete all assessments in the city first in a move to save the city and its schools as much as $2 million in short-term borrowing costs if not completed on time.  The county must certify the updated values in the city by January 1^st.  The county, however, is asking the judge to reconsider his order.  If assessors are allowed to follow their original schedule, all taxing bodies could have aggregate numbers by January 15^th.   The numbers would be uncertified and preliminary, but would be accurate enough to allow all taxing jurisdictions to set their tax rates.  If there are not changes made to the order, the non-city municipalities and school districts will not receive their property values until March or April. Read more

Belle Vernon Area eyes early budget process

By Jeff Pikulsky
VALLEY INDEPENDENT
Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Belle Vernon Area School Board will begin budget preparations early in case a significant real estate tax increase is needed next year. Article

Local property taxes among highest in U.S.

By Tom Fontaine
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, September 30, 2010

Hundreds of counties have higher median property tax bills than Allegheny County, but the local burden is among the heaviest in the nation when factoring in home values, an analysis of census data shows. Article

Hello Westmoreland County!

This web site will help you search the real estate assessments in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania and will help you estimate the property taxes. Click on “Assessment Search Instructions” on the menu for detailed instructions.