Bill which would allow counties to collected more for blight funds passes Senate committee
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - A building on West Arlington Street, owned by a South Carolina woman, is seen collapsing on March 28, 2023.
HARRISBURG – Legislation that would provide additional funding to take down blighted buildings moved out of a State Senate Committee Wednesday.
Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill) introduced Senate Bill 345, which would increase the maximum allowable fee counties can add to the recording of deeds and mortgages by $1 and tie the level to inflation.
“While everyone can agree that we should tear down vacant, rat-infested, and decaying buildings in our communities, finding the dollars necessary can be difficult,” said Argall. “By continuing this support for county demolition funding programs, we’re breathing new life into neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.”
The bill passed the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee with bipartisan support Wednesday. It now moves to the full Senate.
The fee was initially established by legislation introduced by Argall in 2016. Since then, 28 counties — including Schuylkill and Carbon — have enacted such fees.
About Author
