Reassessment Headaches: Michael Young Editorial For 1-6-12

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) -- Even in the best of times – property reassessments are a real headache. Allegheny County's current effort has created more than its fair share. The $11 million undertaking lagged behind schedule almost from the start. So only Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver property owners got their reassessments just in time to ring in the New Year.

The county Assessment Office was slammed with requests for informal reviews. A week later – and after only two days in office – Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald threw out the new numbers – and canceled all informal reviews.

Confused? There's more. A day later - Judge Stanton Wettick – who ordered the reassessment – blocked Fitzgerald's "Hail Mary" play. He told the city and the Pittsburgh School District to base their property tax rates and bills on the 2012 numbers. But - again - the judge hinted he might allow a year for appeals before the new numbers were used for tax purposes. Where does this leave Pittsburgh and Mount Oliver property owners? Finding that answer is like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall. Best advice?

If you don't like your 2012 assessment numbers - request a formal appeal. And grab the aspirin bottle. This headache isn't going to end any time soon.