"Due to the uncertainties in the numbers ... and the opinions of the State Tax Equalization Board, we are reverting back to reliable numbers so that appeals will be based on actual arguments about value and not just relying on the STEB numbers," Taylor said.
Nutter wanted Council to move to AVI this year, before the assessments were complete, but members were uneasy. The 2012-13 budget plan keeps the current tax system for another year and raises $40 million for schools through a small property-tax hike and an increase to a business tax known as the use-and-occupancy tax. The administration warned that a ruling by STEB could cost the city and the school district more than $100 million in appeals if AVI isn't implemented. At issue is the accuracy of the property assessments currently being used to calculate the city's tax bills.
Taylor said he hopes that there will be a vote on his amendment this week and he is working on getting everyone in Philadelphia on board with the plan.
Taylor's measure would amend a bill that allows Philadelphia homeowners to claim a homestead exemption, providing some relief to those who may be hit hard under the looming changes to the property tax system. n
Contact Jan Ransom at 215-854-5218 or Ransomj@phillynews.com, or follow on Twitter @Jan_Ransom. Read her blog, PhillyClout.com.
