It's a fee, not a tax.

More suggested fees from Raja. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11217/1165248-455-0.stm
Another honest mistake? Remember this? http://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2011/06/honest-mistake.html
and this? http://www.careerbliss.com/company-reviews/cei-america-reviews-328814/ Google for more reviews.  Pretty interesting.

An honest mistake

According to this morning's Post Gazette, Raja mistakenly had two Homestead Exclusions on his homes in Virginia Manor. 

His campaign said the error was the result of a miscommunication with his accountant and construction problems that had delayed his moving plans. His accountant filed the papers with the county to remove the homestead exclusion from one of his residences on Tuesday, said Mark Harris, Mr. Raja's campaign strategist.

Mr. Raja also paid part of the tax difference owed to the county on Tuesday and planned to pay the rest today.

The article went on to say

The program reduced school district taxes in Mt. Lebanon by $185.23 this year, Mt. Lebanon finance director Janice Klein said. The reduction varies slightly each year.

Mr. Harris said Mr. Raja planned to deliver a check to Mt. Lebanon today for the amount owed on school district taxes in 2010-11.

The remainder of the $4,806.52 Mr. Raja owed in county property taxes on the two houses he owns in Mt. Lebanon and the condominium he owns in Scott have been paid, although he paid them a month late, so the total amount included late penalties and interest.

Mr. Harris said Mr. Raja paid his county taxes late this year because he had not seen the bill before it was due. Mr. Harris said Mr. Raja paid the bill once he saw it was overdue.

Mr. Raja submitted his property taxes to the county on checks dated June 3.

Yesterday, I paid my (Mt. Lebanon) real estate taxes.  My school district taxes won't be paid until closer to the end of next month.  While I was there, I asked about my commissioner's overdue taxes.  The 2010 taxes still have not been paid and also, have not been liened.  I was assured that when the property sells, all taxes will be deducted first.  When the property sells? What if it doesn't? At least he doesn't have a Homestead Exclusion on his house.  Maybe he gave it to Raja.  And I am the one who gets criticized, running a blog as a private citizen. 
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11159/1152093-455-0.stm

I love my new porch roof!

It isn't done yet, but here is the picture from the Allegheny County website of my new porch roof.  

Here is the picture I took today.  As you can see, I still need to have it stained.

I got my reassessment from the County today.  They are really on top of things.  I had a building permit, since I always go by the rules.  I am not complaining, because those who know me, know that I pay my taxes as soon as I get the tax bill.  I paid my County taxes in early February!!  I am also mindful of people paying their fair share.  I was on a committee this past summer that sent out reminders to those who did not file for a Homestead Exclusion. This is a way to reduce your assessed home value by $15,000.  We sent a letter to the owner of this home:

His home is assessed at $189,000 without the Homestead Exclusion.  With the Homestead Exclusion, this house would be assessed at $174,000.  That is only $42,400 more than my home's reassessment after my Homestead Exclusion.

Here is the current picture from the County website.  Same house.

What confuses me is that this home was purchased in 2006 for $373,000, not $189,000.  It was remodeled in 2007, (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07342/840060-30.stm ) and is now on the market for $674,900.  As a candidate for Commissioner of Ward 3, I have been looking at ways to generate revenue for Mt. Lebanon.  Oh wait, this house is in Ward 3.  Oh my, it is the commissioner of Ward 3's home.  And he was just endorsed by the Republican Committee.   Imagine that.

I love my house.  I really love my new porch roof and am glad I spent the money to make it the way I have always wanted it to be.  I have no regrets.  Oh, I forgot.  I am not moving either.