Reps. push to block "spot" property reassessments

A group of state lawmakers are again pushing legislation to ban so-called "spot reassessments" of property despite Gov. Rendell's previous veto of the measure.

"Spot" appeals of assessment occur solely because a property has been sold, even though other similar nearby properties continue to be taxed at a lower rate.

"Spot appeals have the incredible ability to take an already unfair property tax system and surprising make it even worse," Rep. Tim Seip (D., Schuylkill) who is driving the legislation said at a Capitol news conference today.

Seip and a group of other House members are sponsoring a three-bill package in that would ban spot reassessments in all counties but Philadelphia.

Twice last session, the General Assembly sent Rendell bills that would block such spot assessments only for the governor to veto them. He has said such a move would unfairly deny revenue to school districts at a time when Harrisburg is already not providing enough funding for public education.

Click here for Philly.com's politics page.