Green proposes takeover of BRT
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
By: Tom MacDonald
tmacdonald@whyy.org
A Philadelphia City Councilman wants to revamp or possibly even eliminate the Board of Revision of Taxes.
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The bills would either make the BRT a city agency, or separate out the assessment function of the agency and place it under city auspices. Right now, it's overseen by appointees of the Board of Judges.
Councilman Bill Green says the city needs more control of the process.
Green: It is very important for people who are receiving funds from us in City Council and the mayor's office to be accountable to us so that we can be assured that things are happening fairly.
Mayor Nutter says he wants to work with council on the issue. David Glancey is a former head of the BRT. He says giving government that type of control might open it up for patronage and influence from politicians.
Under Councilman Green's proposals, the assessment appeal process would still be handled by appointees of the Board of Judges.