Amending Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "School Tax Authorization," by adding a new Section 19-1801.1 providing for a cap on tax increases, under certain terms and conditions.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 19-1800 of The Philadelphia Code is amended to read as follows:

CHAPTER 19-1800. SCHOOL TAX AUTHORIZATION.

* * *

§19-1801.1. Cap on Tax Increases.

(1) Notwithstanding the tax rate set forth in Section 19-1801 or any other law to the contrary, the tax levied on any real property shall not be greater than 104% of the prior year's tax levy; provided that the property is owned by the same person who owned the property at the time of the prior year's tax levy; and provided further that nothing in this Section shall relieve a taxpayer from liability for any portion of tax that is solely attributable to the construction of new buildings or structures, or to new improvements made to existing buildings and structures, to the extent the value of such construction or improvements was not accounted for in the assessments returned by the Board of Revision of Taxes during 2002 for the tax year 2003.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) shall apply to any tax levied by the Board of Education, regardless whether authorized by ordinance of City Council.

SECTION 2. This Ordinance shall be effective beginning July 1, 2003.

____________________________

Explanation:

Italics

indicate new matter added.

End