Philly councilman worries the city is not prepared to defend tax assessments

A Philadelphia City Councilman is calling for reinforcements for when businesses appeal their property tax assessments. 

City Councilman Alan Domb said in order to make sure real estate assessments are not overturned in droves, Philadelphia needs better experts to make its case before an appeals board.

“It sounds like we are willing to risk $22 million and my suggestion is that we budget whether it’s one or two million dollars in reserves so we can hire the best lawfirms and the best commercial appraisers to represent us in those appeals.”

Domb said finding the best help will pay off in the long run.

“Maybe we lose 5 or 8 but there’s a way to save that money and I would strongly recommend we look at that.”

Finance Director Rob Dubow said the city already has hired people to fight the appeals, including outside experts.