-- holding property values the same as
they were in 2005.
Backers of the plan said it will
create stability for county taxpayers, head off
assessment increases and put Allegheny County on an
equal footing with neighboring counties that rarely or
never reassess.
"This is the best plan that has
come forward," said Councilman John DeFazio, D-Shaler.
Two Republicans -- Jan Rea of
McCandless and Vince Gastgeb of Bethel Park -- voted
with all eight Democrats for the bill.
Opposed were Republicans Dave Fawcett
of Oakmont, Doug Price of Collier, Ron Francis of Ben
Avon, Eileen Watt of Cheswick, and Ed Kress of Shaler.
"In the end, County Council put
the interests of county taxpayers above partisan
politics," Onorato said in a statement.
He said his plan "will provide
stability for homeowners by preventing wild swings in
property assessments and taxes. It will also place
Allegheny County on equal footing with neighboring
counties and make this a viable place to own a home or
business."
Holy cow, it actually happened! Onorato staked a ton of
personal capital into this effort.
