Topic
City Council
On March 4, council gave preliminary approval to use $1 million in grant money for two new ambulances. A council member also asked about two out-of-service fire vehicles. The city's senior fleet manager said the city should push hard to buy fire vehicles. But he said new ones must be modified for narrow streets and hills, so they can take years to arrive.
City Council
Carnegie Mellon has offered to cover a $200,000 match the city lacks for a federal street safety grant. That brings the Safe Streets and Roads for All project to $400,000. Still, a council member wondered whether one large contribution from nonprofits that don't pay city taxes would be more efficient. Council voted to keep moving toward accepting the money.
County Council
For longtime homeowners in redeveloping areas, rising market values can mean rising tax bills. On Feb. 10, Allegheny County Council passed a program capping eligible owners' tax increases at 35%. Owners qualify after 10 years in their homes, with incomes up to $131,625 for a family of four. However, one council member argued the income limit should be higher.
City Council
With $645 million in debt already, the city wants to borrow $56 million more for bridges, roads, and buildings. On Feb. 18, council met with financial advisors about the bonds. Still, the city's yearly debt payment would drop to $46 million in 2027, since it's paying off more than it borrows. A final vote is scheduled for next week.
City Council
For seven years, Pittsburgh police have paid for cell phone surveillance software. On Feb. 12, a council member flagged a $2,754 invoice for the software, called CellHawk. She said the administration told her police request data only with a search warrant. So far, the contract doesn't appear to be publicly available.
City Council
Three affordable senior high-rises pay the city about $150 a year each instead of property taxes. Now the finance department wants council to extend those agreements for 10 more years. Without them, the tax-exempt buildings would pay nothing, the finance director said. Council advanced the request, though one member worried it lets the department negotiate terms without council oversight.
City Council
The money set aside for the city's unpaid water bill has come up $1 million short. On Feb. 4, the budget director said only $6 million of the $7 million council approved last year is available. The city still owes the missing $1 million, he said. Next week, council is expected to amend the transfer amount.
City Council
Pittsburgh's EMS fleet is in line for $10 million from UPMC and a $1 million state grant. Next week, council plans a final vote to accept the money. Chief of Staff Dan Gilman estimated the city can buy eight or nine more ambulances and a rescue unit. Still, he said the one-time gift is separate from talks on longer-term partnerships.
City Council
The city is adding snow removal vehicles after 37 plows broke down in one night. On Feb. 4, council gave preliminary approval to a $2 million PNC Foundation gift covering 15 of them. With other funds and retrofitted trucks, the city will have 70 snow vehicles. The mayor's chief of staff said they won't be ready this winter, though they should arrive by next winter.
City Council
When ambulances and snowplows sit in the shop, residents' safety suffers, city officials have warned. Now a council member has proposed a vehicle fund, with a goal of at least $20 million a year from 2027. The aim is to keep 70% of the fleet young enough that major repairs aren't expected. But council has held the bill for four weeks.
City Council
A change this year to the Stop the Violence Fund created anchor organizations, one per police zone. Now, council has approved the first five, with agreements totaling about $2.6 million over three years. A city official said they'll support smaller groups and teach families to handle conflict. However, no suitable proposal came in for Zone 1, so that request will reopen.
City Council
Next year's city budget adds $10 million for vehicles and equipment and $8 million for EMS and fire overtime. Council passed it at $693.2 million, about $15 million more than the mayor proposed. Still, it stays open five weeks after the new mayor is sworn in. Council expects to revisit it with the new administration after Jan. 5.
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.
City Council
The Stop the Violence Fund drew scrutiny earlier this year for its $15 million balance. On Dec. 16, council's president proposed cutting the city's 2026 contribution in half, sending $4 million to the city's vehicle fleet. He said there'd still be enough money to continue all services. Contributions would resume with the 2027 budget.
City Council
So far, $4 million of $6 million in consulting contracts for the city's comprehensive plan has been spent. Now, council has given preliminary approval to end them, which the bill says would save more than $2 million. However, the Planning Department disputed council's authority, saying termination rests with the mayor. The final vote is set for Dec. 22.
County Council
Walnut Capital is already building a 480-bed complex for college students in Oakland. Now, Allegheny County Council has authorized $1.2 million in tax relief for it, despite misgivings. The 10-year break starts with two years of no property taxes. Members' concerns included council's inconsistent definition of deteriorated areas and subsidizing projects that would happen without county help.
City Council
The city's primary salt storage building is beyond repair, a public works official told council Dec. 10. Public works has requested $6.9 million to tear it down and build a new one. But a council member questioned the cost, noting the county built a comparable facility for $1.4 million. For now, council will hold the request for one week.
City Council
Money for affordable housing could take a hit as council looks to cut $30 million from the mayor's 2026 budget. That could include the Urban Redevelopment Authority's proposed $10 million for its Housing Opportunity Fund. Council members strongly support the fund, which helps build and preserve affordable housing. For now, council is holding the bill for two weeks.
City Council
The city needs $400,000 to cover six months of vehicle repairs it didn't expect. It can't do the repairs in-house because the vehicles are modified for Pittsburgh's narrow roads and terrain. Council has placed the request on its legislative agenda. A fleet manager said expected savings on fuel and fees will cover the cost.
City Council
This year, the city approved police drone use in the field, and the bureau has now bought nine. The acting chief said they'll help officers gauge incidents, aid search and rescue, and document crime scenes. The money came from a trust fund that can only be used for unique purchases. Meanwhile, the mounted unit has eight new part-time riders.