HARRISBURG – Counties could have another option to finance the demolition of blighted and abandoned properties under legislation approved today by the Senate Appropriations Committee, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).
Argall’s legislation, Senate Bill 486, would give counties the option to levy up to an additional $15 fee on deeds and mortgages recorded in the Recorder of Deeds office. The new revenue must solely be used for demolition funding within that specific county.
“This provides a much-needed option for counties to levy local funding to remediate blighted properties,” Argall said. “This measure will provide another weapon to continue the war on blight.”
The legislation heads to the full Senate for its consideration.