Allegheny County Residents Speak Out Over Budget

November 20, 2024 4:48 am

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — (WPXI) – Tuesday night’s Allegheny County Council meeting was packed with people. Dozens had to be moved to an overflow space. All of this is in response to the proposed county budget and existing opposition. In County Executive Sara Innamorato’s first-ever budget, she proposed a 2.2 mill or 46.5% property tax increase. It would equal about $180 a year more for the average homeowner. That proposal has been met with opposition. Some members of council say it’s just too steep. A memo from the county manager to council was leaked. In it, he outlined what would happen if the millage was not increased calling subsequent cuts “deep” and “catastrophic.” According to the memo, the Department of Human Services would need to cut staff and funding to a number of programs and organizations. Members of those organizations showed up in force, imploring council to vote in favor of the budget proposal. Not all agreed. The budget vote is set for Dec. 3.