Westmoreland commissioners pass fee for blight program over objections from Realtors group

Westmoreland County commissioners on Thursday unanimously approved a $15 filing fee on all deeds and new mortgages to pay for a new program to demolish blighted property.

Officials said the fee is expected to generate as much as $330,000 next year.

Thursday's vote came over objections from the Realtors Association of Westmoreland, Indiana and Mon Valley, who said the additional fee will further drive up the costs to purchase property.

“We can't continue to go to this well. Total closing costs now are over $5,000 for a home of $150,000,” said Bob Bustamonte, past president of the realtors association. “This (fee) doesn't make sense, and I urge you to defeat it.”

The fee, paid to the recorder of deeds office, will go into effect in December.

Meanwhile, commissioners said a plan as to how the money would be spent would be crafted in about three months.

County officials estimated there are as many as 900 blighted properties throughout the county.