In Allegheny County, tax appeal season has begun for 2021. Every year, County property owners have the opportunity to file an assessment appeal, and as always, an appeal may provide an opportunity for a reduction in your...more
Despite the COVID-19 emergency, Allegheny County is still holding to its March 31, 2020 deadline to file tax assessment appeals. Therefore, if you have been considering an assessment appeal, you must file now. Owners cannot...more
In Allegheny County, only two things are certain in life: death and property tax assessment appeals. Every year, County property owners have the opportunity to file an assessment appeal, and as always, an appeal may provide...more
Property assessments in Allegheny County have been in the news for many years. While many property owners had their assessments reduced through appeals after the 2012 Countywide reassessment, there still may be opportunities...more
Newly elected officials may be surprised to discover their votes and actions have legal implications. Preventing a resident from speaking at a public meeting may result in a violation of the First Amendment and a civil rights...more
In re: Private Property Sale by the Millcreek Township School District, 143 A.3d 1037 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2016) (Decided July 20, 2016). The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania reversed the decision of the trial court which had...more
On June 6, 2016, City of Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto signed legislation enacted by City Council amending the City of Pittsburgh Zoning Code by establishing a Riverfront Interim Planning Overlay District (“IPOD”).
The...more
L.H. and C.H. v. Pittston Area Sch. Dist., 130 F. Supp. 3d 918 (M.D. Pa 2015) (Decided September 10, 2015). The District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania determined that verbal abuse by a teacher, by itself,...more
6/20/2016
/ Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) ,
Due Process ,
First Amendment ,
Immunity ,
Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress ,
Negligent Hiring ,
Negligent Supervision ,
Public Schools ,
Retaliation ,
School Districts ,
State Law Tort Claims ,
Students ,
Summary Judgment ,
Teachers
Abington Heights School District (Case No. PERA-C-11-221-E) (Pa. LRB 2015) (Decided December 15, 2015). A Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board hearing examiner determined that the District was permitted to openly discuss...more
To culminate a process that has been years in the making, in February 2016, Washington County will be issuing notices to real estate owners showing their new property assessments. Because county, municipal and school...more
In the Matter of Arbitration between Hollidaysburg School District and AFSCME Council 83 (June 30, 2015). Arbitrator rescinds back pay award after Grievant refuses to turn over tax records to verify that she did not receive...more
On July 10, 2015, the Pennsylvania General Assembly adopted Act 26 of 2015, which amends Title 18, Section 2709 (“Harassment”) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding the crime of cyber harassment. Cyber...more
Pursuant to the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, public officials and employees are required to file a Statement of Financial Interests before May 1 of each year to report, among other things, gifts, transportation,...more
Remember the real estate tax reassessment that occurred in Allegheny County over the past year or so? Allegheny County retained an outside expert to value all Allegheny County real estate parcels; the new assessments were...more