City Council last week passed a $3.6 billion budget that includes the third consecutive increase in property taxes.
In the last two years, Council passed budgets signed by Mayor Michael Nutter that included “temporary” property tax hikes.
Those temporary hikes are now permanent. On June 28, Council passed a 3.6 percent property tax increase to provide $20 million to the School District of Philadelphia.
In the last three years, property taxes in Philadelphia have increased almost 18 percent.
There could be more to come. While Council delayed Nutter’s actual value initiative for a year, it is expected to be implemented in 2013.
All properties in the city will be assessed at their actual values and taxed at a rate that will be set by Council. Today, property taxes are determined by a formula.
The vote to raise the property tax was 12–4. In opposition were Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Councilmen Bill Green, Brian O’Neill and Dennis O’Brien.
Voting to raise the property tax were Council President Darrell Clarke, Councilmen Mark Squilla, Kenyatta Johnson, Curtis Jones, Bobby Henon, Jim Kenney, Wilson Goode Jr., Bill Greenlee and David Oh and Councilwomen Cindy Bass, Marian Tasco and Blondell Reynolds Brown.
Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez was absent.
Council also passed a $20 million increase in the use and occupancy tax on businesses. The money will go to the school district. ••
