Monessen’s tax forgiveness policy causing confusion
By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
Some people who have purchased vacant properties in Monessen have been surprised to find out that not all of the properties’ taxes have been forgiven.
In the early part of this year, the city made headlines for combining a willingness to forgive some tax liens with a bunch of vacant properties to create a buzz in the local real estate market.
Last fall, council approved an ordinance that requires anyone who buys a property in Monessen to bring it up to code within one year of the purchase date or face penalties.
Mayor Matt Shorraw has said the city looks at forgiving old taxes on properties in this way as a method of saving money in the long run because the likelihood of the property ever selling with a lien was low. This way, a property can get back on the tax rolls.
Once the city forgives its liens on the property, Administrator John Harhai sends a letter to the county and the school board to ask if they’ll consider forgiving their tax liens on the property as well.
The confusion for some property buyers has come when the county or school board has not granted that forgiveness and buyers expected to purchase a property that was completely in the clear with liens.
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