Issue
Pittsburgh's growing deficits since pandemic aid ran out, and the risk of returning to state financial oversight.
City Council
A proposed unearned income tax could raise $51 million a year for the city. Council members disagree on how to keep the city afloat during a difficult financial period. If passed, Pittsburgh would be the first municipality to enact such a tax. Council sent the bill to a public hearing.
City Council
Last November, council learned of $13 million in unaccounted-for city water bills. In April, it heard the city had pulled $10 million from two trust funds for general expenses. On Oct. 13, two council members introduced five finance reform bills to end such surprises. One would train members to read a budget, and another would put quarterly finance meetings into law.
City Council
Pittsburgh's finances slipped further in the second quarter. On Sept. 1, a budget official told council the projected year-end deficit has grown to $30.2 million from $24.4 million. Finance staff said the NFL Draft likely cost the city at least $1 million. Still, the budget official was more hesitant than in June to say the outlook would improve.
City Council
Pittsburgh ran a $44.7 million deficit in 2025 and expects another this year. Three years of deficits would put city finances under state control. This week, the controller emailed council arguing against the proposed Downtown TRID, citing that financial strain. She warned the city could owe over $3 million in 2027 without money set aside for early debt payments.
City Council
City outreach workers could soon get a wheelchair van to help residents with disabilities. Council moved forward with the request on July 1. Meanwhile, unexpected repairs to the city's aging fleet are on track to cost almost $5.3 million this year, against $3.9 million budgeted. The acting fleet manager said new vehicles should help bring those costs down.
City Council
Pittsburgh is spending the last of its American Rescue Plan Act aid, which the controller said masked the city's spending problems. On June 24, she reported a $44.6 million operating deficit for 2025, the first year since 2020 without that aid. The city pulled $33.8 million from rainy-day savings to cover it. Still, state law limits how the city can raise revenue.
City Council
City income from permits, licenses, and investment interest is already falling short this year. The acting budget director said the 2026 deficit could top $24 million. If so, the city would have one more year to turn things around before falling under state financial control. Still, she said the city will have a better picture in about a month.
City Council
A proposed city tax on amusement devices, such as poker machines and claw machines, would exempt Rivers Casino. It could bring in $2 million to $3 million a year. On May 27, a council member said the city ran a deficit last year and may run another this year. A public hearing hasn't been scheduled yet.
City Council
Homeowners may see city property taxes rise 20%, or $161 a year per $100,000 in value. Council voted six to three for the increase, the city's first since 2014. It would mostly cover expected shortfalls in utility costs, overtime pay, and fleet maintenance. Now, the mayor has until Dec. 30 to veto it, and council needs only six votes to override.