That decision was not particularly popular among some members.
"They'd better start coming out with something," said Councilwoman Joan Krajewski, referring to Nutter and Council leadership. "It's all this talk - talk, talk, talk. They'd better do something.
Councilman Frank DiCicco introduced a resolution two weeks ago to hold BRT hearings. He has not scheduled a hearing because he thought Council had agreed on legislation to be introduced by Green yesterday.
"We won't make that mistake again," said spokesman Brian Abernathy.
Nutter, through a spokeswoman, said last night: "I am committed to working with Council to bring thoughtful and comprehensive change to the way Philadelphia assesses and collects property taxes. It is my hope that reform legislation passes Council by the end of this calendar year and appears on the May ballot for voter approval. Philadelphians deserve a more predictable, transparent, and efficient property tax system."
Nutter did not ask Council leadership to hold Green's bill, spokeswoman Maura Kennedy said.
Councilman James F. Kenney said the public has lost confidence in the BRT's ability to fairly assess properties, undermining the property-tax system. In a series of articles beginning in May, The Inquirer detailed the agency's failings, from a dysfunctional management structure to political patronage and error-plagued assessments.
Immediately following the Inquirer reports, Nutter called for the seven-member board to resign, but board members refused. Nutter and Council formed a joint task force to study the issue over the summer, and the task force issued a report with a range of options for reforming or dismantling the BRT.
Kenney said changes at the BRT "need more speed."
"No one has explained to me why we need to slow it down," Kenney said.
