by KYW’s Mike Dunn
Philadelphia property owners ought to approach their mailboxes with caution – the city is sending out hundreds of thousands of reassessments this week, that will mean higher property taxes next year for most.
The Board of Revision of Taxes is notifying 413,000 property owners of changes in their property values. BRT spokesman Pete Peterson says the hot market of recent years is to blame:
“Property values are increasing, the assessments are increasing, as will the property taxes.”
Most of those reassessed will see an increase. Peterson insists that most of the increases will be modest, under $200. But owners in the hotter neighborhoods where values have skyrocketed will likely see bigger jumps.
City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell says any property tax increase is too much:
“I don’t know where they think people can get the money. And I don’t understand the rationale for this.”
City Councilman Frank Rizzo says the BRT ought to be ready for an outcry:
“The people over there better get ready, because we’ll load buses with folks and bring them down.”
The changes are not part of the BRT’s controversial plan to move to a new methodology called Full Market Valuation. That’s on hold, even if these reassessments are not. If you don’t agree with your reassessment, you’ll have until October 1st to appeal. The BRT notices will also include information on help for seniors and lower-income residents.
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