Issue
The coming countywide reassessment and tax breaks for longtime homeowners.
County Council
Allegheny County hasn't reassessed property values since 2012. In August, a judge ordered the county to start reassessing by July 2027 and finish by 2032. On Sept. 14, a council committee heard the door-to-door work could cost $50 million and bring a wave of appeals. For now, it's holding a bill for regular reassessments until other lawsuits end.
County Council
None of the hearings on a proposal to reassess property every three years are in Pittsburgh. On April 28, a county council member pointed that out and urged holding one within city limits. Another member asked for an online session, saying the evening schedule would be prohibitive for some. Still, council's chief clerk said any added hearings would need council approval.
County Council
For longtime homeowners in redeveloping areas, rising market values can mean rising tax bills. On Feb. 10, Allegheny County Council passed a program capping eligible owners' tax increases at 35%. Owners qualify after 10 years in their homes, with incomes up to $131,625 for a family of four. However, one council member argued the income limit should be higher.
City Council
Under a proposed program, eligible longtime homeowners whose taxes rose 50% after reassessment would pay only 25% more. For now, council is holding the bill until a public hearing, which isn't scheduled yet. One member worried about unknown financial effects while reassessment isn't imminent. But two others said passing it now could reassure older homeowners afraid of future tax increases.
City Council
Rising values in redeveloping areas can mean higher property taxes for longtime homeowners. Now, the mayor has sent council a plan letting some defer or be exempt from those increases. It aims to keep low-income residents from being taxed out of their homes. Owners generally need at least 10 years of ownership and residency, among other rules.