Allegheny County Council slashes property tax hike proposal

In Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Council is currently deliberating on a reduced property tax increase following the backlash against the County Executive Sara Innamorato's original proposal. Presented to the council, Innamorato's budget suggested a property tax hike of over 45 percent—the first increase in 12 years—which was met with significant discontent from council members and constituents alike. Republican Council member Sam DeMarco characterized the hike as outrageous, especially in a climate of heightened living costs driven by inflation. There was a notable lack of support for the original proposal, indicating to council members that the votes needed for approval were not available. On Tuesday night, the council's committee voted to scale back Innamorato's plan by approximately half, reflecting the growing concerns among council members and the public regarding the financial burden such a tax increase would impose. However, Innamorato's office has stated that this reduction is insufficient for meeting the county’s service needs. She emphasized that a smaller tax increase would negatively impact services provided by the Department of Human Services. Her budget proposal, she argued, reflected a vision of enhanced public safety and support for all residents, emphasizing investments in vital services, including those for older adults. Despite council pushback against her budget, Innamorato and some supporters remain committed to advocating for the proposed investments, which they believe are critical for maintaining essential services across the county. The 2.2 millage increase discussed by the council would translate to an additional $182 in taxes per year for homeowners with homes valued at $110,000, underscoring the tangible impact on residents. As negotiations continue, Innamorato has called for community support in approaching council members, highlighting the potential adverse effects on county services if the discussions lead only to further cuts. The ongoing negotiations show that while the council is listening to taxpayer concerns, they are also weighing the necessity of funding for essential public services.