Philadelphia, April 27, 2010 – Today, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT) Board’s Application for the Exercise of Original Jurisdiction and King’s Bench Power, without prejudice. This means that on May 18th, as planned, Philadelphians will vote on whether or not to abolish the BRT and establish in its place two new entities – one for property tax assessments and another for appeals.
“The Supreme Court did the right thing here. It should be up to voters to establish a property tax system that is fair to all,” said Mayor Nutter. “I encourage all Philadelphians to come out to the polls this May and vote “yes” on the BRT initiative to complete the system of reforms started by my Administration.”
Previously, the BRT Board stopped cooperating with the Nutter Administration’s reform efforts. Concerned about the Board’s inability to manage the agency, the Mayor seized control of the BRT’s accounts. In an effort to make their salaries consistent with the salaries of the members of boards and commissions who work similar schedules, the Mayor worked with Council to slash the Board members’ salaries. If voters approve the initiative on the ballot this May, reform efforts will resume, an important step to establishing a predictable, transparent, and equitable property tax system for all Philadelphians.
