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Attorney explains Homestead-style tax exoneration program; Munhall council to review forms
Summary
Attorney Brett Solomon described a tax‑exoneration program used in neighboring Homestead to encourage private rehabilitation of tax‑delinquent properties. Council asked staff to obtain Homestead forms and study feasibility, noting the school district's cooperation is essential.
An attorney who has worked with Homestead Borough described a tax‑exoneration program at Munhall Borough Council’s Jan. 21 meeting and urged officials to examine the model as a way to return tax‑delinquent, dilapidated properties to productive use.
Brett Solomon, an attorney and title agent who said he handled several Homestead exoneration petitions, told council the program gives vetted buyers a window to rehabilitate properties and, by petition to court with county and school‑district consent, can result in exoneration of prior delinquent taxes when certain investment thresholds are met. Solomon said the county and Homestead school district previously cooperated on earlier cases but that the Steel Valley School District has since changed its position, making district buy‑in a critical factor in feasibility.
“Homestead has been pretty successful with it,” Solomon said, describing cases where developers invested more in rehabilitation than the amount of delinquent taxes to restore properties to taxable, occupied status.
Council members asked manager and staff to obtain Homestead’s application forms and program materials for review. Several members emphasized that the school district’s consent is necessary; Solomon said no developer will commit to a project without prior assurance the school district would agree to any exoneration of its portion of delinquent taxes.
The solicitor noted the program in Homestead operates through a petition to court rather than a borough ordinance and that council should consider whether to adopt a formal administrative framework or rely on the court‑petition approach.
Council directed the manager to obtain the Homestead forms and any sample documentation and to report back; Solomon offered to forward sample forms he has used. Council did not take a final vote on implementing the program.
Ending: Council members said they would discuss the program further at a workshop and would attempt to coordinate with Steel Valley School District officials before taking formal action.
