Showing posts with label Mt. Lebanon Newcomer's Tax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mt. Lebanon Newcomer's Tax. Show all posts
Saturday, October 20, 2018
So cool, Mike!
If the name Mike Suley sounds familiar, it is because he spoke many times before the Mt. Lebanon commission concerning the "Newcomers Tax." Mike, a former Mt. Lebanon resident, was the former manager of Allegheny County's Office of Property Assessments and wrote letters to the editor about the unfair practice. But his impactful letter writing began as early as 1969, when he wrote to President Richard Nixon, then-U.S. Sens. Richard Schweiker and Hugh Scott, and Astronaut Neil Armstrong. Suley felt that the Apollo 11 crew should plant an American flag on the moon. Neil Armstrong agreed and the rest is history!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
The Realtors AREN'T Happy with Mt. Lebanon
A new website just went live. http://endthenewcomertax.com/ Paid for by the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, the website lists this about the Newcomer Tax:
- It’s an Unfair, Forced Assessment on New Home Buyers
- It Targets Home Buyers to Pay Higher Taxes
- It Discourages Home Sales
Call to action:
- Write to the Commissioners
- Attend the March 10, 2015 Commission Meeting
Looks like the March 10 commission meeting is going to be a humdinger. The commissioners may want to move the meeting because we anti-deer cull people packed the room last time and promise to bring more Mt. Lebanon people to the March 10, 2015 meeting. We're also staging another protest at 5:30. Newcomers and Realtors are welcome!
Update March 4, 2015 3:57 PM END THE NEWCOMER TAX: Put Our Collective Voices to Work
Update March 4, 2015 7:40 PM RAMP has sent a mailing to all Mt Lebanon residents who may be directly affected. (Postcard copy attached)
Update March 4, 2015 10:09 PM Mt. Lebanon appeals ahead
Update March 9, 2015 6:06 PM Municipalities Call for More Property Tax Assessments
Update March 4, 2015 3:57 PM END THE NEWCOMER TAX: Put Our Collective Voices to Work
The REALTORS® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP) is calling for greater consistency and transparency within the assessment appeals process in the municipality of Mt. Lebanon, and other communities in Allegheny County. Properties for sale are being targeted for tax reassessments, placing higher taxes on incoming residents.Update March 4, 2015 5:52 PM The Almanac | Realtors Association fighting Mt. Lebanon newcomer tax
Update March 4, 2015 7:40 PM RAMP has sent a mailing to all Mt Lebanon residents who may be directly affected. (Postcard copy attached)
Update March 4, 2015 10:09 PM Mt. Lebanon appeals ahead
Mt. Lebanon will appeal 26 more residential property assessments in 2015, after reaching back as far as the late 1980s to find the most underassessed homes based on sale prices.
Update March 9, 2015 6:06 PM Municipalities Call for More Property Tax Assessments
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Commission considers additional private property locations UPDATED
According to the Commission Discussion Session Agenda for tomorrow, February 23, 2015, our commissioners will be considering additional private property locations for deer killing. Brian Benner from Wildlife Services [sic] and staff will be reviewing plans with the commissioners. Brian Benner is one of two people from Wildlife Specialists, LLC permitted to do the field work as listed in the PA Game Commission permit.
For all the Lebo Citizens readers who are new to this, the Discussion Session will start at 6:30 PM in Conference Room C, down the hall from the Commission Chambers in the Municipal Building. The public is permitted to observe, but not speak.
The Commission Meeting will begin at 8:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. Citizen Comments begins shortly after 8:00 PM. The agenda is rather short, so if the commission permits non-residents to speak at the end of the meeting, the wait will not be as long as the last meeting. It appears that Commissioners Linfante and Bendel will not be attending. Those who wish to speak, must add their names to the sign up sheets in the back of the room. Last time, there were two sign up sheets, one for residents and one for non-residents.
Also on the Commission Meeting Agenda, the commissioners will be awarding a contract to Diversified Municipal Services to represent the municipality in defending and appealing assessments, otherwise known as the Newcomers Tax. Mr. and Mrs. Stroyd Morgans, get your phones charged. It will be a night for photos.
Update February 22, 2015 3:21 PM The commission lied to us about the sterilization permit. The Game Commission stated that they have not denied the sterilization permit, but are still waiting for Mt. Lebanon's response to their six questions.
On Wed, Feb 18, 2015 at 12:23 PM, a resident wrote:
To date I have not received a response to my inquiry surrounding the deer sterilization permit.
Considering the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners initially misled the public to believe this permit was not approved by the PA Game Commission, I would like to know its true current status.
Please respond as soon as possible.
Thank you.
For all the Lebo Citizens readers who are new to this, the Discussion Session will start at 6:30 PM in Conference Room C, down the hall from the Commission Chambers in the Municipal Building. The public is permitted to observe, but not speak.
The Commission Meeting will begin at 8:00 PM in the Commission Chambers. Citizen Comments begins shortly after 8:00 PM. The agenda is rather short, so if the commission permits non-residents to speak at the end of the meeting, the wait will not be as long as the last meeting. It appears that Commissioners Linfante and Bendel will not be attending. Those who wish to speak, must add their names to the sign up sheets in the back of the room. Last time, there were two sign up sheets, one for residents and one for non-residents.
Also on the Commission Meeting Agenda, the commissioners will be awarding a contract to Diversified Municipal Services to represent the municipality in defending and appealing assessments, otherwise known as the Newcomers Tax. Mr. and Mrs. Stroyd Morgans, get your phones charged. It will be a night for photos.
Update February 22, 2015 3:21 PM The commission lied to us about the sterilization permit. The Game Commission stated that they have not denied the sterilization permit, but are still waiting for Mt. Lebanon's response to their six questions.
On Wed, Feb 18, 2015 at 12:23 PM, a resident wrote:
Hello Steve,
To date I have not received a response to my inquiry surrounding the deer sterilization permit.
Considering the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners initially misled the public to believe this permit was not approved by the PA Game Commission, I would like to know its true current status.
Please respond as soon as possible.
Thank you.
From: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>
Date: February 20, 2015, 1:14:16 PM EST
To:
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: Sterilization deer permit Inquiry
We are working with Mr. DeNicola and are hopeful that we may have answers and a proposal for the Game Commission by the end of April.
Date: February 20, 2015, 1:14:16 PM EST
To:
Cc: Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>
Subject: Re: Sterilization deer permit Inquiry
We are working with Mr. DeNicola and are hopeful that we may have answers and a proposal for the Game Commission by the end of April.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Allegheny Co. tax appeal deadlines are unfair
On October 20, 2014, our school board will be voting to approve tax refunds for 70 Mt. Lebanon taxpayers.
Lebo Citizens reader and former manager of Allegheny County’s Office of Property Assessments, Mike Suley wrote this opinion piece in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Allegheny Co. tax appeal deadlines are unfair
List of Tax Refunds
– The list of tax refunds totals $80,364.27 for 70 refunds. The list has been reviewed by the solicitor’s office and is recommended for approval. The Superintendent recommends approval of this list.
Lebo Citizens reader and former manager of Allegheny County’s Office of Property Assessments, Mike Suley wrote this opinion piece in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Allegheny Co. tax appeal deadlines are unfair
No other county in Pennsylvania forces you to pay taxes before your tax assessment appeal is resolved
October 14, 2014 12:00 AM
Allegheny County is the only county in Pennsylvania that forces you to pay taxes before your tax assessment appeal is resolved. For example, the appeal deadline in Allegheny County is March 31, 2015, for the 2015 tax year, yet 2015 county, Pittsburgh and city school district bills will be mailed out before the appeals deadline. It’s not fair to pay first and appeal later. There are city residents still waiting on retroactive appeal decisions for this tax year.
Under home rule, the appeal deadline has been changed at least 20 times. In 2013 the county changed the deadline again to give property owners and taxing bodies a “second chance” to appeal for the same tax year because a prior county ordinance permitted appeals before the tax bills went out. This was done even though tens of thousands of the previous appeals were unresolved and awaiting disposition going into the 2013 tax year.
Allegheny County politicians have complained for years that the county’s citizens should be on a level playing field with other counties. We’re not. It’s time to have an appeals deadline with resolution before the tax bills go out.
MIKE SULEY
Mt. Lebanon
The writer, an assessment consultant, is former manager of Allegheny County’s Office of Property Assessments.
Allegheny County is the only county in Pennsylvania that forces you to pay taxes before your tax assessment appeal is resolved. For example, the appeal deadline in Allegheny County is March 31, 2015, for the 2015 tax year, yet 2015 county, Pittsburgh and city school district bills will be mailed out before the appeals deadline. It’s not fair to pay first and appeal later. There are city residents still waiting on retroactive appeal decisions for this tax year.
Under home rule, the appeal deadline has been changed at least 20 times. In 2013 the county changed the deadline again to give property owners and taxing bodies a “second chance” to appeal for the same tax year because a prior county ordinance permitted appeals before the tax bills went out. This was done even though tens of thousands of the previous appeals were unresolved and awaiting disposition going into the 2013 tax year.
Allegheny County politicians have complained for years that the county’s citizens should be on a level playing field with other counties. We’re not. It’s time to have an appeals deadline with resolution before the tax bills go out.
MIKE SULEY
Mt. Lebanon
The writer, an assessment consultant, is former manager of Allegheny County’s Office of Property Assessments.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
The Municipality and School District are in it together now
It hasn't been an easy win for the first group of newcomers. In my May 29, 2014 post A win for fairness! there was an agreement to an 84% of Full Market Value (FMV) settlement, which would apply to all people who had an appeal pending at the BOV.
Initially, the school board threatened to challenge the settlements, which would have made implementation of the settlement impossible. Ultimately, however, Municipal Solicitor Phil Weis was able to strong arm the school board into agreeing not to object to the settlements. Unfortunately, after getting things worked out with the school board, the county began resisting the 84% settlement. To date, a couple of hearings have taken place where the county did send their lawyer, but did not present any evidence to rebut the settlement agreement between the homeowner and Mt. Lebanon. As a result, although hearings were held, the 84% settlement figure was implemented.
However, Phil Weis said the folks who lost the original municipality appeal but failed to appeal to the BOV in 2013, yet appealed as a homeowner as a part of this group in 2014 and are now trying to get into the BOV queue are SHIT OUT OF LUCK. The municipality is now saying since the homeowners have instituted the appeal, they are sending the school board to fight the newcomers at the BOV level.
Is this how Kristen Linfante or Dave Brumfield (I can't remember which) planned to resolve this issue? Send it to the school district? While we have all been agonizing over the toxic turf crap, our friendly commissioners have joined forces with the school district to stick it to the newcomers.
Initially, the school board threatened to challenge the settlements, which would have made implementation of the settlement impossible. Ultimately, however, Municipal Solicitor Phil Weis was able to strong arm the school board into agreeing not to object to the settlements. Unfortunately, after getting things worked out with the school board, the county began resisting the 84% settlement. To date, a couple of hearings have taken place where the county did send their lawyer, but did not present any evidence to rebut the settlement agreement between the homeowner and Mt. Lebanon. As a result, although hearings were held, the 84% settlement figure was implemented.
However, Phil Weis said the folks who lost the original municipality appeal but failed to appeal to the BOV in 2013, yet appealed as a homeowner as a part of this group in 2014 and are now trying to get into the BOV queue are SHIT OUT OF LUCK. The municipality is now saying since the homeowners have instituted the appeal, they are sending the school board to fight the newcomers at the BOV level.
Is this how Kristen Linfante or Dave Brumfield (I can't remember which) planned to resolve this issue? Send it to the school district? While we have all been agonizing over the toxic turf crap, our friendly commissioners have joined forces with the school district to stick it to the newcomers.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Commission Meeting Agendas for Tuesday UPDATED 2X
Tuesday's meetings will be action packed. For starters, here is what is in store for the Commission Discussion Session starting at 6:30 PM:
1. Deer topics:
a. Presentation on roadside detectors – Edward Mulka, JAFA Technologies
b. Conference call regarding sterilization – Enid Feinberg, Wildlife Rescue
6:55 P.M.
2. Wildcat/Middle Field Improvements Project:
a. Bids
b. Funding sources
c. Environmental tests
d. Maintenance
e. Other
7:15 P.M.
3. Review MS-4 and plan for TMDL stormwater.
I really don't know what Item 3 is about, but the Commission has set aside 25 minutes for this agenda item.
But wait, there's more!
At 8:00 PM, the real fun begins. On the Commission Meeting Agenda:
First, Senator Matt Smith and State Rep. Dan Miller will be presenting a citation to Mt. Lebanon for being an Allegheny League of Municipalities (ALOM) Banner Community.
After recognition of a Mt. Lebanon volunteer, Citizen Comments begins. Citizens have five minutes to speak on any topic. Please sign the sheet as you enter the commission chambers if you wish to speak at this time. This is NOT for the Public Hearing.
Agenda Item 5 is the Public Hearing on Capital Investment. There will be a separate sign up sheet for the Public Hearing. This is when you can speak about the list of possible projects discussed so far:
2. School safety signage
3. Recycling cans
4. Robb Hollow park improvements
5. Deer sterilization and other deer management practices
6. Traffic pedestrian upgrades
7. Bird Park and Twin Hills trail signs
8. Iroquois fill and grass
9. Church Place concrete pad
10. Rockwood Park concrete pad
11. Other park improvements
12. Consultant to develop design guidelines and HARB ordinance
13. Golf course pavilion
14. Firing range improvements
15. Public Works facility improvements
16. Private street contribution
17. Expanding street reconstruction and maintenance
18. Prescription drug incinerator
19. Sidewalks at tennis center
20. Other capital projects listed in the 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Program
First item on the list will be approved. See Agenda Item 14. We will get to hear from the sports people to please assign funds toward the turf project, even though it is already on the agenda. Deer people, here is your chance. PAYT people, time to speak up. Want more money for Tom Kelley's Public Works facility and parks improvements? Get in line. Sidewalks at the tennis center? Sign up. Live on a private road which needs attention? Tell the Commissioners all about it. Kelly Fraasch has been trying to talk about a prescription drug incinerator at all the Commission Discussion Sessions, but the commissioners would always run out of time. See where her possible project is on the list? Almost at the end. I know this will never happen, but it would be nice if the people who want artificial turf, would let the others speak, since it is already an agenda item. If not, I can see this being an after midnight meeting again.
That was only Agenda No. 5. Items 6 & 7 are Home Rule Charter amendments for the November election.
Still with me? Let's skip to No. 12. Usually, Maher Duessel is appointed as an independent auditor annually, but this year, they will be getting a three year contract. This firm has been our independent auditor for the Municipality and the School District for YEARS! The commission wants to appoint Maher Duessel for audit years 2014, 2015, and 2016.
But Items 14 & 15 are what most people are interested in, of late.
14. Consideration to assign funds for athletic field improvements.
At this time, the Commission would like to assign an additional $162,600 for this project.The original amount to be assigned was $112,600. November 25, 2013 Commission Meeting Minutes
Use of Funds Amount
Base Bid $ 859,000
Add Alt. 6 (filtration) 21,000
Add Alt. 9 (fountain) 8,000
Professional services 122,000
Contingency 40,000
Total $1,050,000
Source of Funds Amount
11/25/13 Assignment $ 637,400
7/13/14 Assignment 162,600
Non-Municipal Sources 250,000
Total $1,050,000
15. Award of bids for the installation of turf at Wildcat/Middle fields
Finally, Agenda Item 18 is moving the parking on Cedar Blvd. near Wildcat and Middle Fields, from the north side of the road to the south side of the road.
On July 8, 2014, the Mt. Lebanon Commissioners will award the contract to Vasco Sports Contractors for Base Bid 1 - Blended Turf with Thatch Zone with Sand and Rubber Infill ($859,000)
Add Alternate 6 - Storm Filtration System ($21,000) and
Add Alternate 9 - Water Fountain ($8,000)
for a total price of $888,000, subject to:
a) Receipt of the NPDSS (?) permit,
b) Receipt of $250,000 of non-municipal funds, and
c) Review and approval of all contract language by the Solicitor and Municipal Manager.
Number 16 has been top secret. The Commission had been speaking of a turf maintenance agreement with the School District, but we never would get any details. No. 16 is to execute the turf maintenance agreement with the School District.
And if there hasn't been enough controversial topics, the Commission will consider parking issues on Academy Avenue.
What the commissioners have managed to do is pack as many hot topics as possible into one evening. The only issue missing is the dog park. That could be under Robb Hollow park improvements.
And in case you missed it, Charlotte Stephenson wrote an excellent Letter to the Editor in today's Post-Gazette. "Newcomer tax and turf unnecessary"
Update July 4, 2014 11:02 AM Please visit newly created "Mt. Lebo Residents Against Child-Health Risks of Artificial Turf" on Facebook.
Update July 6, 2014 5:53 PM Mt. Lebanon, PA Residents Against Artificial Turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields Petition here.
Update July 4, 2014 11:02 AM Please visit newly created "Mt. Lebo Residents Against Child-Health Risks of Artificial Turf" on Facebook.
Update July 6, 2014 5:53 PM Mt. Lebanon, PA Residents Against Artificial Turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields Petition here.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Another fine mess
Assessments are in the news again. Mt. Lebanon resident and Lebo Citizens reader, Mike Suley offers advice to the newcomers going through the appeals process.
Properties sold in 2013 fetched a price that averaged about 10 percent higher than their 2012 assessed value, according to tentative figures released by the state Tax Equalization Division. Property owners could use that to appeal for a lower assessment.
Gap between property values, sales a homeowner's boon in Allegheny County
“What it says is that properties are appreciating at such a rapid clip that we are almost back to where we started before the reassessment,” said Michael Suley, a real estate consultant and former manager of the Allegheny County Office of Property Assessment. “Every taxpayer should use that argument in the appeals process.”Another fine mess to add to the Commission's legacy.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
A win for fairness!
Scott Livingston announced late this afternoon in an email to The Newcomers that he and Mt. Lebanon Solicitor Phil Weis had agreed to an 84% of Full Market Value (FMV) settlement, which would apply to all people who had an appeal pending at the BOV and who had asked Scott to represent them (which he did for free); and would likely be offered to others as well who would soon be at that stage in the appeals process.
Congratulations to Adrian Soriano and Scott Livingston, and to all the people who stood together with them and fought for fairness and transparency.
Mt. Lebanon Municipality had held the line at 85%. That 1% difference represents that the Mt. Lebanon commissioners were wrong. The commission targeted constituents unjustly. I am embarrassed that our commission treated you so poorly. The commissioners went after a large group of the taxpayers who worked together and democracy prevailed! How refreshing!
Congratulations Newcomers! I hope this brings peace back into your lives and optimism to the rest of us.
Monday, May 26, 2014
If Kristen is going to write that check...
The new amount is $5600. That is after the new asking price reduction.
Looking at the homes on Roycroft, the commissioners appealed six (6) homes for this year. They appealed two last year.
2014 Mt. Lebo Appeals
1. 25 Roycroft based on 2007 sale
2. 51 Roycroft
3. 55 Roycroft
4. 65 Roycroft based on 2006 sale
5. 73 Roycroft
6. 80 Roycroft based on 2008 sale
2013 Mt. Lebo Appeals
1. 30 Roycroft increased to sale price of $560000
2. 56 Roycroft increased to sale price of $427000
Here's the kicker. Remember this anti-turf sign destroyed on Roycroft?
Looking at the homes on Roycroft, the commissioners appealed six (6) homes for this year. They appealed two last year.
2014 Mt. Lebo Appeals
1. 25 Roycroft based on 2007 sale
2. 51 Roycroft
3. 55 Roycroft
4. 65 Roycroft based on 2006 sale
5. 73 Roycroft
6. 80 Roycroft based on 2008 sale
2013 Mt. Lebo Appeals
1. 30 Roycroft increased to sale price of $560000
2. 56 Roycroft increased to sale price of $427000
Here's the kicker. Remember this anti-turf sign destroyed on Roycroft?
It was ripped out of the yard of one of the homes that the commissioners appealed. The Roycroft Block Party will be very interesting this year. Write the damn check, Kristen.
Update May 27, 2014 7:51 AM Not everyone can avoid writing the check, so Mike Suley, former manager of Allegheny County’s Office of Property Assessments, former member of the county’s Board of Property Assessment, Appeals and Review, and Lebo Citizens reader, offers this solution in his Post-Gazette Letter to the Editor, Overassessed homeowners should pay taxes under protest.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Just write the check, Kristen UPDATED
Resident Steve Diaz offered a challenge to Commission President Kristen Linfante. In the name of fairness, Mr. Diaz asked Kristen to pay her fair share and to write a check for $8,000 for her underassessed home, which is on the market for $495,900.
The "intro" where Madam President says his name was struck from the sign up sheet, and Mr. Diaz says he did not do it, was included in the sound clip.
Update May 15, 2014 10:58 PM Mt. Lebanon residents criticize 'newcomers tax,' turf project for fields
The "intro" where Madam President says his name was struck from the sign up sheet, and Mr. Diaz says he did not do it, was included in the sound clip.
Update May 15, 2014 10:58 PM Mt. Lebanon residents criticize 'newcomers tax,' turf project for fields
Thursday, May 1, 2014
From the same people who bring you toxic turf, comes this FAQ for Newcomers UPDATED 3X
Mt. Lebanon has just issued this friendly Mt. Lebanon Assessment Appeal Program FAQ. They saved the best for last.
Mike Suley submitted this opinion piece to The Trib, Disclose appeal formulas. I have not heard anything about last night's Newcomer's Tax meeting, which was scheduled concurrently with the educational forum on artificial turf. Some may say that John Bendel left the educational forum early to attend the Newcomer's Tax meeting, but he left well before the start of the Newcomer's Tax meeting.
Newcomers, care to comment on your meeting last night? Would you consider signing a petition on say...halting spending surplus tax dollars on artificial turf voted by Kristen Linfante, Dave Brumfield, John Bendel, and supported by Steve Silverman? Keep in mind how President Linfante treated you at commission meetings. FYI, Dave Brumfield has wanted artificial turf for years and has found just the way to fund it.
Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.
Update May 2, 2014 7:01 AM Why is Commissioner Linfante's underassessed house on the market?
Update May 4, 2014 5:45 PM Newcomers, don't miss Susan Morgans' editorial in this month's mtl Magazine.
Update May 6, 2014 11:15 AM Assessment games: Allegheny County's failure to produce and maintain a fair and regular system of property tax assessments — and, in some instances, actively working to undermine that system — has produced what you might expect: local municipalities and school districts attempting to use the appeals process to engage in nothing less than spot assessment. This end around is dubious public policy and has the perverse effect of not only pitting neighbor against neighbor but perpetuating unconstitutional taxation. All of this nonsense must stop.
Q: Will Mt. Lebanon continue the appeals program next year?What? Kristen Linfante bought her house in 2005. Steve Silverman bought his house in 2005. They stopped at 2006. They have not made the determination to continue the appeals program next year? No wonder Dave Brumfield was speechless when asked to define the word, "Fairness."
A: The Commission has not yet made that determination.
Mike Suley submitted this opinion piece to The Trib, Disclose appeal formulas. I have not heard anything about last night's Newcomer's Tax meeting, which was scheduled concurrently with the educational forum on artificial turf. Some may say that John Bendel left the educational forum early to attend the Newcomer's Tax meeting, but he left well before the start of the Newcomer's Tax meeting.
Newcomers, care to comment on your meeting last night? Would you consider signing a petition on say...halting spending surplus tax dollars on artificial turf voted by Kristen Linfante, Dave Brumfield, John Bendel, and supported by Steve Silverman? Keep in mind how President Linfante treated you at commission meetings. FYI, Dave Brumfield has wanted artificial turf for years and has found just the way to fund it.
Please sign this petition if you want to halt public funds for use of artificial turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields.
Update May 2, 2014 7:01 AM Why is Commissioner Linfante's underassessed house on the market?
 |
| http://85roycroftavenue.howardhanna.com |
Update May 4, 2014 5:45 PM Newcomers, don't miss Susan Morgans' editorial in this month's mtl Magazine.
Update May 6, 2014 11:15 AM Assessment games: Allegheny County's failure to produce and maintain a fair and regular system of property tax assessments — and, in some instances, actively working to undermine that system — has produced what you might expect: local municipalities and school districts attempting to use the appeals process to engage in nothing less than spot assessment. This end around is dubious public policy and has the perverse effect of not only pitting neighbor against neighbor but perpetuating unconstitutional taxation. All of this nonsense must stop.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
President Kristen, you're going to miss another big one UPDATED KRISTEN IS HERE!
Mt. Lebanon, PA Residents Against Artificial Turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields Petition here.
According to the Commission Agenda for tomorrow, April 28, 2014, we should have a packed room again. Kristen, you luck out again. John Bendel, it is going to be quite a meeting, I predict.
The Brookline people are not happy and will be showing up for the Castlegate vote. Vee Lynn, Mayfair, Cedar, and Parkridge people, listen to what the Brookline people went through concerning Castlegate. It is the same scenario. No one was notified. The municipality put a notice on the property and one would have to trespass to read it. Cute, huh? The neighbors were upset because they missed the public hearing. Neighbors of Middle and Wildcat Fields, you never even got the right to a public hearing. The commissioners tabled the Castlegate vote. There was a meeting with the locals, and the vote is back on the agenda for tomorrow night. Mt. Lebanon residents get treated a little differently. According to Brumfield, LeboALERTS are sent out announcing that the agendas are available for viewing on the municipal website. For recreation improvements, there are never LeboALERTS sent out. They only like to announce the movie that will be playing at the swimming pool.
We still have the unhappy Newcomers, Kristen. Aren't you sad that you can't threaten to shut down the meeting again? I would hope that John does a better job presiding over the meeting than you did.
Kristen, you are also going to miss all your friends who rallied for LEED Certification over the high school project. What's that? They aren't coming to defend the beautiful green fields at Wildcat and Middle? Why aren't they protesting the toxic turf? Because you said that the ESB is not against artificial turf?
Mt. Lebanon, PA Residents Against Artificial Turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields Petition here.
According to the Commission Agenda for tomorrow, April 28, 2014, we should have a packed room again. Kristen, you luck out again. John Bendel, it is going to be quite a meeting, I predict.
The Brookline people are not happy and will be showing up for the Castlegate vote. Vee Lynn, Mayfair, Cedar, and Parkridge people, listen to what the Brookline people went through concerning Castlegate. It is the same scenario. No one was notified. The municipality put a notice on the property and one would have to trespass to read it. Cute, huh? The neighbors were upset because they missed the public hearing. Neighbors of Middle and Wildcat Fields, you never even got the right to a public hearing. The commissioners tabled the Castlegate vote. There was a meeting with the locals, and the vote is back on the agenda for tomorrow night. Mt. Lebanon residents get treated a little differently. According to Brumfield, LeboALERTS are sent out announcing that the agendas are available for viewing on the municipal website. For recreation improvements, there are never LeboALERTS sent out. They only like to announce the movie that will be playing at the swimming pool.
We still have the unhappy Newcomers, Kristen. Aren't you sad that you can't threaten to shut down the meeting again? I would hope that John does a better job presiding over the meeting than you did.
Kristen, you are also going to miss all your friends who rallied for LEED Certification over the high school project. What's that? They aren't coming to defend the beautiful green fields at Wildcat and Middle? Why aren't they protesting the toxic turf? Because you said that the ESB is not against artificial turf?
.jpg) |
| Wildcat Field |
.jpg) |
| Middle Field |
Conveniently, Kristen, you will be missing some pretty heavy discussion topics during your Discussion Session tomorrow. The Discussion Session Agenda for April 28, 2014 include topics such as
- Making the Home Rule Charter gender neutral - a very important issue to you
- Turf fundraising which you so kindly donated to
- Turf infill options - toxic synthetic or toxic organic
- Other turf design and bidding issues
- Closing public, municipal athletic fields during inclement weather
- Board and authority recording, another issue near and dear to your heart
Yes, Kristen, you luck out again. I hope you are giving some thought to the idea of resigning. We sure are.
Mt. Lebanon, PA Residents Against Artificial Turf at Wildcat and Middle Fields Petition here.
Friday, April 11, 2014
What has Mt. Lebanon become? UPDATED
Yesterday was most disappointing for me. In a matter of a few hours, I received an abundance of emails exemplifying the corruption in our local government.
Earlier in the day, I reported an address to the commission of a friend of both Dave Brumfield and Kristen Linfante, whose home is assessed $310,000 below their purchase price last year, along with the link to their friend's County Assessment. I was alerted to this discrepancy by a Lebo Citizens reader.
Moments later, my mailbox was flooded with emails from Lebo Citizens readers notifying me of the fundraising efforts by the Recreation Department as discussed in my post, TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE. As I mentioned in my previous post, I questioned the commission about this action in a separate email.
At the same time, a newcomer received this response from Dominick Gambino, who clearly intended to send it to Nancy Carroll. The resident had been asking for information concerning his appeal.
This attitude is exactly what we are seeing from our local elected officials. I had emailed the commission asking about the results of the deer aerial survey. As usual, Kristen ignored me. This issue is very important to me, but based on what I had seen at Tuesday's meeting, the citizen who spoke during Citizen Comments was informed. I had heard that the pro-culling residents were circling their wagons and her comments confirmed it. Transparency? Nope, not any more.
I received one response to my emails.
Emailing to the Commission is not slanderous gossip. In light of the fact that our Commission is in the news over the Newcomer's Tax, I felt that my email was not out of line.
I did not see the letter from the Recreation Department as forwarding an email request. I let Dave know that I disagreed with him. Comparing this to Martha's Run or Ultra Party is insulting. $750,000 of our money is going into this project already, without any approval from constituents. Does the Municipality donate to Martha's Run or Ultra Party? Hardly. I know that the committee for Martha's Run pays to advertise in mtl Magazine.
From: Dominick Gambino <d.gambino@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: Municipal Tax Assessment Appeal
Date: Thu 04/10/14 02:43 PM
He can't stand that you won't react. That's the best weapon against folks like him
Sent from my iPhone
This attitude is exactly what we are seeing from our local elected officials. I had emailed the commission asking about the results of the deer aerial survey. As usual, Kristen ignored me. This issue is very important to me, but based on what I had seen at Tuesday's meeting, the citizen who spoke during Citizen Comments was informed. I had heard that the pro-culling residents were circling their wagons and her comments confirmed it. Transparency? Nope, not any more.
I received one response to my emails.
From: David Brumfield < davidcbrumfield@gmail.com>
To: egillen476 < egillen476@aol.com>
Sent: Thu, Apr 10, 2014 03:24 PM
Subject: Re: Totally inappropriate
How is forwarding an email request for charitable donations inappropriate. Aside from your dislike of the project please explain how this is any different than assisting in the advertising for Martha's Run or the Ultra Party.
Additionally, as to your prior email I think it is an unforgivable invasion of privacy for you to circulate the name, address and community service record of a resident whose assessment is being appealed in some cheap attempt to allege bias contrary to the facts.
In the future please do not copy me on any emails where you cast aspersions on private residents. I have no desire to participate in your slanderous gossip.
To prevent the unnecessary dissemination of this information I am only responding to you. I shall not copy or forward this and request you act likewise.
Dave Brumfield
I explained to Dave that because his email is subject to a Right To Know, according to the Sunshine Law, I could not honor his request. Since it was written from his personal email account, I now understand why there are never any emails of his in my Right To Knows.
Emailing to the Commission is not slanderous gossip. In light of the fact that our Commission is in the news over the Newcomer's Tax, I felt that my email was not out of line.
I did not see the letter from the Recreation Department as forwarding an email request. I let Dave know that I disagreed with him. Comparing this to Martha's Run or Ultra Party is insulting. $750,000 of our money is going into this project already, without any approval from constituents. Does the Municipality donate to Martha's Run or Ultra Party? Hardly. I know that the committee for Martha's Run pays to advertise in mtl Magazine.
I also felt that a more appropriate response from Dave, in regard to the assessment of his friends, would have been, "Thank you for your concern. This property has been appealed by the Municipality."
I am so tired of the tone that our elected officials use with their constituents. I am tired of the attitude from many staff members within our local government. I don't appreciate how the newcomers are being treated by a contractor hired by the Municipality and School District. It is offensive to me that an employee is on the Mt. Lebanon Community Relations Board.
The public is seeing this very ugly side of Mt. Lebanon. The transparency is gone. Where is the civility, Kristen and Dave? It left the school board long ago.
Update April 11, 2014 2:10 PM Good thing I didn't see this on Facebook yesterday. Don't you just love to see municipal staff fundraising for the non-municipal share on our dime? (Saved in Google Docs)
Update April 11, 2014 2:10 PM Good thing I didn't see this on Facebook yesterday. Don't you just love to see municipal staff fundraising for the non-municipal share on our dime? (Saved in Google Docs)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Dear Newcomers
The following letter is from Lebo Citizens reader, John David Kendrick.
DEAR NEWCOMERS,…
Earlier today I watched the April 8, 2014 meeting of the Mt. Lebanon Commission and I have several observations that I want to share with you:
1. Contrary to Dave Brumfield’s comments around the 48 minute mark, Nancy Carroll will not have any discussion with you concerning an informal resolution of the appeal. In fact, the only response that you will get from her is, “I’ll see you at the hearing.”
2. The four Commissioners present at the meeting couldn't care less about your problems:
a. They have no reason to care (they are not your stakeholders);
b. They have no interest in the welfare of you or your family; and
c. In all likelihood they don’t understand the impact that they have had on your property values.
3. All of you should be proud of how you presented yourselves at the meeting.
a. You all were well prepared with your comments.
b. Your comments were well researched.
c. You showed respect for the institution and the office – which is the polar opposite of what these four FARTS have shown your families!
The question is how you can deal with the problem at hand…
The biggest problem that all of you have is that you don’t have any leverage over the Commissioners. Your presentations made an appeal to their sympathy or the logic of their decision, but you need to find something that will capture their attention and make them more sensitive and responsive to your problems. Leverage can come in many ways and political leverage appears to be the most effective solution for this problem. You need to find something, like the potential death of the turf project, that you can control. For instance, after I heard that Dick’s was contributing $5,000 I decided that I’ll never go shopping in a Dick’s store again! Maybe all of you can think of similar collective economic leverage that you can assert?
I can’t stress enough that the Commission's behavior is a call to action. There is a burning platform before every Mt. Lebanon resident – and it’s the equity, your hard-earned and invested money in your home that is going up in flames before your eyes! All of you absolutely must get involved, get organized, select your candidates and VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!
Don’t delay – the Community is about to turn into ashes before your eyes!
Sincerely,
John David Kendrick
DEAR NEWCOMERS,…
Earlier today I watched the April 8, 2014 meeting of the Mt. Lebanon Commission and I have several observations that I want to share with you:
1. Contrary to Dave Brumfield’s comments around the 48 minute mark, Nancy Carroll will not have any discussion with you concerning an informal resolution of the appeal. In fact, the only response that you will get from her is, “I’ll see you at the hearing.”
2. The four Commissioners present at the meeting couldn't care less about your problems:
a. They have no reason to care (they are not your stakeholders);
b. They have no interest in the welfare of you or your family; and
c. In all likelihood they don’t understand the impact that they have had on your property values.
3. All of you should be proud of how you presented yourselves at the meeting.
a. You all were well prepared with your comments.
b. Your comments were well researched.
c. You showed respect for the institution and the office – which is the polar opposite of what these four FARTS have shown your families!
The question is how you can deal with the problem at hand…
The biggest problem that all of you have is that you don’t have any leverage over the Commissioners. Your presentations made an appeal to their sympathy or the logic of their decision, but you need to find something that will capture their attention and make them more sensitive and responsive to your problems. Leverage can come in many ways and political leverage appears to be the most effective solution for this problem. You need to find something, like the potential death of the turf project, that you can control. For instance, after I heard that Dick’s was contributing $5,000 I decided that I’ll never go shopping in a Dick’s store again! Maybe all of you can think of similar collective economic leverage that you can assert?
I can’t stress enough that the Commission's behavior is a call to action. There is a burning platform before every Mt. Lebanon resident – and it’s the equity, your hard-earned and invested money in your home that is going up in flames before your eyes! All of you absolutely must get involved, get organized, select your candidates and VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!
Don’t delay – the Community is about to turn into ashes before your eyes!
Sincerely,
John David Kendrick
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
"I will shut down this meeting!" UPDATED 2X
I can't wait until the Commission meeting video is uploaded on mtlebanon.org. At one point, President Linfante threatened the angry newcomers and real estate agents with, "I will shut down this meeting!" I hope the camera caught Manager Feller's expression when Kristen said that. His eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head. I wish she did shut down the meeting. Kristen would have been in deep doo-doo had she followed through with her threat.
Wow! What a night! I am hoping to hear from the newcomers and post their stories, charts, graphs and comments from tonight's meeting. I had the pleasure of meeting many of my new Lebo Citizens readers.I will be uploading the podcasts shortly. I uploaded the podcasts and are available here.
Until then, I just want to say how happy I am to see residents attending a Commission meeting. Newcomers, you really need to go to a school board meeting. You heard the solicitor tonight. If the municipality "presses that pause button," the school board can and probably will proceed. Somebody has to pay for those raises, the $74,000 trophy case and the new teachers' contract.
Not to be disrespectful, but I saw a similar reaction last night.
Update April 10, 2014 7:35 AM Residents who bought homes in 2011-12 fighting Mt. Lebanon's assessment appeals
Mt. Lebanon to hold meeting for property owners whose assessments are being appealed
Update April 10, 2014 12:02 PM The April 8, 2014 Mt. Lebanon Commission Meeting video has been uploaded on the Municipal website here.
Wow! What a night! I am hoping to hear from the newcomers and post their stories, charts, graphs and comments from tonight's meeting. I had the pleasure of meeting many of my new Lebo Citizens readers.
Until then, I just want to say how happy I am to see residents attending a Commission meeting. Newcomers, you really need to go to a school board meeting. You heard the solicitor tonight. If the municipality "presses that pause button," the school board can and probably will proceed. Somebody has to pay for those raises, the $74,000 trophy case and the new teachers' contract.
 |
| A resident was wearing this sign at the meeting. Copies were available on the table. |
Not to be disrespectful, but I saw a similar reaction last night.
Update April 10, 2014 7:35 AM Residents who bought homes in 2011-12 fighting Mt. Lebanon's assessment appeals
Mt. Lebanon to hold meeting for property owners whose assessments are being appealed
Update April 10, 2014 12:02 PM The April 8, 2014 Mt. Lebanon Commission Meeting video has been uploaded on the Municipal website here.
Friday, April 4, 2014
As one newcomer said, "More propaganda from mtl Magazine"
property assessments
More articles by Merle Jantz »
Written by: Merle Jantz
After the reassessment, many homeowners appealed, citing over assessment. Mt. Lebanon, in the interest of equity across all residential property, investigated appealing under assessed properties.
Ideally, counties across Pennsylvania would reassess all properties on a regular basis, but that does not happen. “Reassessments should happen every three years,” says Mt. Lebanon Finance Director Andrew McCreery. “We waited 11 years in Allegheny County, and we’re not sure when the next one will be. Washington County is still using 1981 as a base year.”
With the intention of capturing the most recent market values, Mt. Lebanon decided to appeal the property assessments of 156 houses sold in 2013, and another 138 sold between 2006-2010. The municipality is not appealing the assessments of all houses sold during these time frames, only of houses that sold for a much greater price than their assessed valuation.
Specifically, the properties that are being appealed: sold for more than $100,000; show a difference of at least $58,000 between the sale price and the assessed value, and the ratio between the assessed value and the sale price was 80 percent or less.
For example, a house with an assessed value of $145,100 sold in 2013 for a price of $415,000 has a $269,900 difference between assessed value and sale price, meaning the assessed value is now only 35 percent of the sale price. This house is one of the 156 2013 cases that Mt. Lebanon is appealing. There were 375 2013 residential property sales that did not fit the criteria or were below a sale price of $50,000.
“There are avenues of relief if you believe your house is over assessed,” McCreery says. “But this is our only way of evening out the inequity if a house sells for significantly more than its assessed value.”
The last two property reassessments conducted in Allegheny County were in 2002 and 2013. After conducting a reassessment, the county uses all of the home values obtained that year as the “base year” by which all assessments are calculated. From 2002 to 2012, the base year used for newly sold homes was 2002. Currently, the base year is 2013 until the next reassessment.
Once the municipality notifies a homeowner of its intention to appeal the assessment, the county schedules a hearing sometime within the next six months. At the hearing, homeowners may represent themselves or be represented by an attorney, presenting any information relevant to the fair market value of the property. The county then makes a decision to lower the assessment, maintain the current assessment or raise the assessment.
If the property owner is not satisfied with the county’s ruling, the next step in the process is to appear before the Allegheny County Board of Viewers. Of houses sold in 2011 and 2012, Mt. Lebanon appealed 153 sales, 43 of which sent a notice of their intent to go before the Board of Viewers. Many of those cases are still pending.
The board has a large backlog of cases, and an appeal could take years to resolve, says McCreery, adding that, “Going in front of the Board of Viewers is a considerable expense for the municipality, and for the homeowner.”
To learn more about the assessment and appeals process, visit www.county.allegheny.pa.us/opa/index.aspx.
Ideally, counties across Pennsylvania would reassess all properties on a regular basis, but that does not happen. “Reassessments should happen every three years,” says Mt. Lebanon Finance Director Andrew McCreery. “We waited 11 years in Allegheny County, and we’re not sure when the next one will be. Washington County is still using 1981 as a base year.”
With the intention of capturing the most recent market values, Mt. Lebanon decided to appeal the property assessments of 156 houses sold in 2013, and another 138 sold between 2006-2010. The municipality is not appealing the assessments of all houses sold during these time frames, only of houses that sold for a much greater price than their assessed valuation.
Specifically, the properties that are being appealed: sold for more than $100,000; show a difference of at least $58,000 between the sale price and the assessed value, and the ratio between the assessed value and the sale price was 80 percent or less.
For example, a house with an assessed value of $145,100 sold in 2013 for a price of $415,000 has a $269,900 difference between assessed value and sale price, meaning the assessed value is now only 35 percent of the sale price. This house is one of the 156 2013 cases that Mt. Lebanon is appealing. There were 375 2013 residential property sales that did not fit the criteria or were below a sale price of $50,000.
“There are avenues of relief if you believe your house is over assessed,” McCreery says. “But this is our only way of evening out the inequity if a house sells for significantly more than its assessed value.”
The last two property reassessments conducted in Allegheny County were in 2002 and 2013. After conducting a reassessment, the county uses all of the home values obtained that year as the “base year” by which all assessments are calculated. From 2002 to 2012, the base year used for newly sold homes was 2002. Currently, the base year is 2013 until the next reassessment.
Once the municipality notifies a homeowner of its intention to appeal the assessment, the county schedules a hearing sometime within the next six months. At the hearing, homeowners may represent themselves or be represented by an attorney, presenting any information relevant to the fair market value of the property. The county then makes a decision to lower the assessment, maintain the current assessment or raise the assessment.
If the property owner is not satisfied with the county’s ruling, the next step in the process is to appear before the Allegheny County Board of Viewers. Of houses sold in 2011 and 2012, Mt. Lebanon appealed 153 sales, 43 of which sent a notice of their intent to go before the Board of Viewers. Many of those cases are still pending.
The board has a large backlog of cases, and an appeal could take years to resolve, says McCreery, adding that, “Going in front of the Board of Viewers is a considerable expense for the municipality, and for the homeowner.”
To learn more about the assessment and appeals process, visit www.county.allegheny.pa.us/opa/index.aspx.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Addicted to Revenue UPDATED 2X
The following Letter to the Editor appeared in the April 3, 2014 edition of the PG.
Mt. Lebanon school board President Elaine Cappucci was recently quoted as saying that if the school district did not raise taxes (again), the Mt. Lebanon schools would be “decimated.” Mt. Lebanon has repeatedly raised taxes on its residents over the past several years, either through millage increases or by targeting individual property owners in court for higher tax assessments. Recently, in collaboration with the township, a legal group was hired to go after 150 new residents who bought their homes in 2011 and 2012 for higher tax assessments via what amounts to a “newcomer’s tax.”
First, Ms. Cappucci’s hyperbolic comment about the state of Mt. Lebanon schools is manipulative and irresponsible. Mt. Lebanon has good teachers and kids who largely have support at home; there is no risk of imminent decimation. Having worked in schools in New York and Detroit, I have seen decimated schools. Kids come to school abused and hungry. Teachers are unsupported and ill-trained. The physical environment is not only unpleasant but dangerous. Mt. Lebanon’s schools will not be decimated if taxes are not raised. It is just that school officials will need to make choices they are not used to making (while 95 percent of school districts around the country would love to be even in their pared-down condition).
Further, Mt. Lebanon Commissioner David Brumfield wants to expand unfair taxing from buyers of homes in 2011-2012 to those who bought in 2006-2010 and 2013. At a recent meeting, he expressed happiness with the fact that such a move would raise an additional $14 million. But who authorized a budget increase of $14 million? What do they need all that money for? And do Mt. Lebanon residents ever get to say “enough is enough”?
The township’s budget already has increased from just under $40 million in 2011 to just under $50 million in 2013. The school district’s proposed budget for 2014-15 is $94 million. This is approximately $144 million to run the schools and municipality in a midsized suburban community in Western Pennsylvania — an annual budget larger than that of some entire nations.
Like an addict whose solitary goal increasingly becomes getting cash for the next fix, Mt. Lebanon has become addicted to revenue and has shown an increased willingness to achieve the intake of public dollars at all costs. But if Mt. Lebanon does not quell its appetite for the people’s cash, the one thing that will be decimated is the idea that this particular community in the South Hills is a good place to move to and live.
JASON MARGOLIS
Mt. Lebanon
Update April 3, 2014 10:20 AM The following letter to the editor appeared in 04.02.14 edition of The Almanac. Lebo assessments grossly unfair (Saved in Google Docs)
Update April 3, 2014 4:18 PM The letter in the first update states that there are homes with garages that were assessed improperly. The county database has more fields than what is published on the county website. The website will only show garages that are part of the dwelling. If a garage is attached or detached it will have a “0” after garage on the website. In most cases the county assessed the detached and attached garage and has that information on the property record card. The property record card can be purchased for .25 per page. Contact the county at 412-350-4600 to inquire about obtaining a property record card on any property in Allegheny County.
This is valuable information. Why? If the property record card is wrong, your tax bill is wrong!
Mt. Lebanon school board President Elaine Cappucci was recently quoted as saying that if the school district did not raise taxes (again), the Mt. Lebanon schools would be “decimated.” Mt. Lebanon has repeatedly raised taxes on its residents over the past several years, either through millage increases or by targeting individual property owners in court for higher tax assessments. Recently, in collaboration with the township, a legal group was hired to go after 150 new residents who bought their homes in 2011 and 2012 for higher tax assessments via what amounts to a “newcomer’s tax.”
First, Ms. Cappucci’s hyperbolic comment about the state of Mt. Lebanon schools is manipulative and irresponsible. Mt. Lebanon has good teachers and kids who largely have support at home; there is no risk of imminent decimation. Having worked in schools in New York and Detroit, I have seen decimated schools. Kids come to school abused and hungry. Teachers are unsupported and ill-trained. The physical environment is not only unpleasant but dangerous. Mt. Lebanon’s schools will not be decimated if taxes are not raised. It is just that school officials will need to make choices they are not used to making (while 95 percent of school districts around the country would love to be even in their pared-down condition).
Further, Mt. Lebanon Commissioner David Brumfield wants to expand unfair taxing from buyers of homes in 2011-2012 to those who bought in 2006-2010 and 2013. At a recent meeting, he expressed happiness with the fact that such a move would raise an additional $14 million. But who authorized a budget increase of $14 million? What do they need all that money for? And do Mt. Lebanon residents ever get to say “enough is enough”?
The township’s budget already has increased from just under $40 million in 2011 to just under $50 million in 2013. The school district’s proposed budget for 2014-15 is $94 million. This is approximately $144 million to run the schools and municipality in a midsized suburban community in Western Pennsylvania — an annual budget larger than that of some entire nations.
Like an addict whose solitary goal increasingly becomes getting cash for the next fix, Mt. Lebanon has become addicted to revenue and has shown an increased willingness to achieve the intake of public dollars at all costs. But if Mt. Lebanon does not quell its appetite for the people’s cash, the one thing that will be decimated is the idea that this particular community in the South Hills is a good place to move to and live.
JASON MARGOLIS
Mt. Lebanon
Update April 3, 2014 10:20 AM The following letter to the editor appeared in 04.02.14 edition of The Almanac. Lebo assessments grossly unfair (Saved in Google Docs)
Update April 3, 2014 4:18 PM The letter in the first update states that there are homes with garages that were assessed improperly. The county database has more fields than what is published on the county website. The website will only show garages that are part of the dwelling. If a garage is attached or detached it will have a “0” after garage on the website. In most cases the county assessed the detached and attached garage and has that information on the property record card. The property record card can be purchased for .25 per page. Contact the county at 412-350-4600 to inquire about obtaining a property record card on any property in Allegheny County.
This is valuable information. Why? If the property record card is wrong, your tax bill is wrong!
Monday, March 24, 2014
Mt. Lebanon Commissioners are pulling the trigger
Michael Suley is my hero!! Does that name ring a bell? He wrote this letter to the editor of The Almanac, Lebo reassessment proposal pits neighbor against neighbor. (Saved in Google Docs) Mr. Suley spoke at the commission meeting tonight. I uploaded the podcast, which was recorded by two volunteers. Thank you, Guys. The podcast is available here on Lebocitizens.com. Mr. Suley speaks at the 00:16:30 time stamp.
Mr. Suley sympathized with a previous speaker who was caught up in the newcomers tax. He said that the commissioners should apologize to the newcomers and asked for the commissioners to withdraw the appeals. Suley identified the problem by comparing Dave Brumfield's house on Crystal with neighbors' homes. He also focused on Roycroft and Arden, Linfante's and Bendel's streets respectively. A homeowner on Roycroft is paying $500 more A MONTH for a similar home on the same street. John Bendel asked Mike to wrap up his comments, but then you hear Brumfield interrupting him. I love how Suley pointed out, while VP Bendel had asked him to wrap it up, Brumfield was stammering away (my words, not his.)
Thank you, Mike, for highlighting the problem and offering solutions. He disagreed with Dave Brumfield's quote in the paper that it was the County pulling the trigger. Suley corrected Brumfield by saying that the commissioners are pulling the trigger.
Suley is past vice-chair of the Allegheny County appeals board and also was the manager of the Office of Property Assessments.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
"...we nearly have a tax revolt going here."
In The Almanac's Mt. Lebanon schools face $2.6 million shortfall in budget article, Elaine Cappucci said that they will have to raise millage again, or "decimate" its education system.
Most board members hope to target somewhere between a 0.5 and 0.55 mill tax increase, and to use between $750,000 and $1 million of the fund balance.
Dan Remely was alone in preferring a significantly smaller tax increase of .25 mills. He favors using $1.5 million of fund balance.
“There comes a point where we have to figure out some way to protect taxpayers as well as our other stakeholders,” he said. “I am concerned we nearly have a tax revolt going here. Our schools draw people into Mt. Lebanon. These families are then being taxed even further, as we’re seeing in the papers.”
Remely’s comment references a controversial practice whereby the municipality of Mt. Lebanon targeted recent home buyers for property reassessments at or very near their homes’ sale prices – a practice the affected families have dubbed the “Mt. Lebanon Newcomer’s Tax.” Some of these residents’ tax bills increased by thousands of dollars following their reassessments.I don't know about anyone else, but I am getting pretty tired of this well-worn script. To use a Jan Kleinism, it is "typical for this time of year." We can speak of bonuses, trophy cases, and lucrative raises any other time of the year, but come February and March, they all start crying the blues. They even put out fake budgets. Searching for the words "fake budget" on Lebo Citizens, I found Fake budget will be posted soon. We get the same lists of unknowns. We know, that darn governor... But how do you do it? You want to make cuts far away from the student, yet manage to give Timmy his raise every year. What are you cutting this year? FLES?
Word is that "The Grievance" doesn't look good for the school district. Still hoping to hear any time now, right? Of course, "typical for this time of year."
For more on what Dan Remely refers to as a tax revolt, read Valuation changes, fairness pledged in Mt. Lebanon.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Looks like it is going to be a fun night tonight!
I think it is going to be a little crowded tonight in the Commission Chambers. Bill Zlatos' article in the Trib, Assessment appeals draw Mt. Lebanon residents' ire Some residents who bought their homes in 2011 and 2012 have organized and will come to tonight's meeting.
... is among 150 recent homebuyers who consider themselves unfairly targeted by what they call the “Mt. Lebanon Newcomer's Tax.” The municipality last year appealed the assessments of about 150 properties purchased between 2011 and 2012 in which the sale price was at least $48,000 more than the assessment.Couple this news with my "Leboleaks" and toxic artificial turf, it may be a little crowded tonight. Aww. Too bad.
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