Representative Maher ~

 

Council Vice President Fontana asked that I respond to your email regarding whether there are any legal impediments that would prevent Council from passing an ordinance to require that assessors be certified.  There is not.  In fact, Council has already required that all assessors hired after the effective date of the Administrative Code be CPEs.  This specific provision is contained within Article 209, § 209.06 of the County’s Administrative Code.

 

Of the 24 assessors hired since the passage of the Administrative Code, only 7 were CPEs.  Part of the reason for this has to do with an existing SEIU contract that allows members to “bid” for the assessor job.  The County has paid/offered the training necessary for those hires to receive the training, but there seems to be no interest on the part of the other 17 to take that step.  By including Allegheny County in the statewide certification act, there is added “teeth” in the sanctions that are contained therein that Council cannot provide in the Administrative Code.

 

I hope that this adequately answers your questions, but should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me or the Council Member.

 

Amie M. Downs

Director of  Legislative Services

Allegheny County Council

412.350.6522