title
Ordinance of the County of Allegheny establishing a limitation on Sheriff's sales of properties owned by senior citizens and on which property taxes have fallen delinquent.
body
WHEREAS, the property tax burden borne by elderly residents of Allegheny County has become significant enough that it is placing many of the County's most established residents in the position of potentially losing their home; and
WHEREAS, the effects of property taxes are particularly pronounced on individuals living on fixed incomes; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County Council desires to provide property tax relief to the citizens of the County to the extent practicable;
The Council of the County of Allegheny hereby enacts as follows:
SECTION 1. Limitation Upon Conveyance of County Tax Liens.
The County shall not convey any interest in any property or in any tax lien pertaining to any property that:
A. Qualifies as a homestead under the provisions of the Homestead Property Exclusion Program Act (53 P.S. §8581 et. seq.); and
B. Is owned, in whole or in part, by an individual who has attained the age of 65; and
C. Is owned by an individual or individuals whose combined income (as defined under the Senior Citizens Rebate and Assistance Act, 72 P.S. §4751-1 et. seq.) does not exceed $40,000 per year.
SECTION 2. Limitation Upon Sheriff's Sales.
The County shall not subject any property meeting the requirements of Section 1 of this ordinance to Sheriff's sale.
SECTION 3. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall become effective on January 1, 2006.
SECTION 4. Severability.
If any provision of this Ordinance shall be determined to be unlawful, invalid, void or unenforceable, then that provision shall be considered severable from the remaining provisions of this Ordinance which shall be in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. Repealer.
Any Resolution or Ordinance or part thereof conflicting with the provisio...
Click here for full text