Allegheny County Council is about to vote on a bill (May 21) that would insulate the appeals board from the political process. Under present law, the people who make the frozen base year assessments also administer the appeals process. The part-time appeals boards’ role is limited to only hearing and deciding appeals. The proposed bill would permit the Board of Property Assessment Appeals and Review (BPAAR) to restructure the administration of appeals, cradle to grave, effective Jan. 1.

This change will restore public confidence and make the appeals board totally independent. The BPAAR will set policy and oversee the administration of the appeals process. Coretta Scott King said, “There comes a time when time itself is ready for a change.” It’s time.

Mike Suley

Scott

The writer is chair of the Allegheny County Board of Property Assessment Appeals and Review.

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