Allegheny County Fires 2012 Reassessment Workers

Originally published November 19, 2010. Updated October 2026.

In late 2010, Allegheny County’s reassessment hit another problem: some of the workers sent to inspect properties had licensing issues. This article describes what happened at the time.

What the Workers Were Doing

From July through November 2010, the County sent assessors to visit more than 500,000 properties. Their job was to verify property details such as square footage and condition. That information would help set values for the 2012 reassessment.

At the time, we advised owners to talk with a lawyer before letting any assessor onto their property or into their home.

The Licensing Problems

Channel 4 News in Pittsburgh reported that some of these workers had been disciplined by a state licensing board for negligent appraisals. Others had misrepresented the status of their real estate licenses, claiming to be licensed when they were not. The County fired the workers involved.

Doubts About the Reassessment

The episode raised fresh questions about whether the County could deliver an accurate reassessment. Since 2002, more than 200,000 assessment appeals had been filed in Allegheny County, and it was estimated that more than half of all properties had been appealed at least once. If the County could not get its hiring right, many doubted it could get values right.

What Came Next

At the time, new values were scheduled for release in early 2011 so a three-level appeal process could begin before the new assessments took effect in 2012.

What This Means for You Today

• Assessments depend on the accuracy of the County’s property data. Check your property record for errors in square footage, condition and features.
• If an assessor asks to inspect, get advice before you agree.
• For the current reassessment, see our Allegheny County reassessment guide and tax appeals FAQ.

Talk to Us

Call 412-802-6666, text 412-855-5511, or send us a message for a free consultation.