Here is my summary of the Tuesday, November 6th, 2024 regular meeting of Allegheny County Council. My votes are in parentheses, as is the prime sponsor of each item. All 15 members were present.
13284-24 (County Executive – Economic Development and Job Creation) Terminates the Summerset at Frick Park Tax Increment Financing district.
Immediately following the regular meeting of council, we also had a budget committee meeting. Due to time constraints, I generally do not post any updates regarding committee meetings; however, I will give a short summary of this one given the importance of the budget process and briefness of the 11/6 general meeting.
During the meeting, council discussed (but did not vote on) the County Executive’s proposed millage rate of 6.1772 mills for the general fund and 0.7528 mills for the debt service fund, totaling 6.92 mills (a 2.2 mill increase from last year). On the median county property, that would be slightly under a $200/year increase. Because this millage rate is a proposed increase, it will require a 2/3 vote of council (10 votes) to pass.
During the meeting, councilmembers Betkowski, Bonaroti, Demarco, Filiaggi, Futules, Macey, Palmosina, Naccarati-Chapkis, and Catena all clearly stated that they would not support a 2.2 mill increase. Councilmembers Klein, Prizio, and myself were less explicit, citing the need to balance the cost with the potential programs that would be cut if the millage is not raised. However, we all also acknowledged that the increased millage rate clearly could not pass as it stands.
Councilmember Betkowski also broached the idea of increasing the homestead exemption to give homeowners additional relief, especially those who live in more modest houses. Both myself and Councilmember Prizio expressed support for this effort.