A Tale Of Two Counties – Chapter 2

Allegheny County and Washington County are both under court orders to complete countywide reassessments. Because of an unexpected Independence Day gift from the Pennsylvania state legislature, however, Washington County is no longer required to reassess. Over the July 4 holiday weekend, the legislature passed a limited moratorium on reassessments. The moratorium as it was originally drafted was intended to remain in place temporarily while the legislature considered property tax reform for the entire state. Instead, at the final hour, the legislature limited the moratorium to Washington County alone. From the standpoint of elected officials in these counties who are concerned about how property owners will react to the reassessments, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times: Washington County officials are ecstatic and Allegheny County officials are dismayed and upset.