Allegheny County Council Meeting – December 2, 2025

The Allegheny County Council convened on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM (EST) to consider a series of budget-related ordinances and resolutions for Fiscal Year 2026, along with public comments and new business introductions. Twelve members were present at roll call. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and concluded with the approval of all proposed fiscal measures and the referral of several new ordinances to committees.

Proclamations & Certificates

• The Council adopted Proclamation 13740-25 recognizing Wilkins Township Commissioner Sylvia Martinelli for her years of public service, sponsored by Councilmember Fatullis.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Benjamin Chazar spoke in opposition to the proposed budget, calling for lower taxes, property reassessment, departmental spending cuts (citing a 5% cut on a $3 billion budget would save $150 million), consolidation of police and jail under an elected sheriff, free public transit with revenue‑producing stops, elimination of independent authorities, and abolition of the Controller position. He also raised concerns about non‑functioning fire hydrants and highlighted International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
• Abby Ray Lacomb, Executive Director of RentHelp Pittsburgh, expressed strong support for the $900,000 amendment to fund rental assistance and eviction prevention. She reported that the $1.9 million provided the previous year helped 713 households (over half of whom were children) remain housed. She thanked Council for its continued investment.
• Madeline McGrady, co‑chair of the Housing Justice Table and a Highland Park resident, also thanked Council for increasing rental assistance funding. She shared district‑level statistics: District One – 1,139 households received over $5.879 million; District Two – 200+ households (≈$1.5 million); District Four – 2,167 households (≈$10.5 million); District Six – 1,800+ households (≈$9 million); District Seven – 2,360 households (≈$12 million); City of Pittsburgh – 11,000+ households ($55 million between 2021–2024). She stated that eviction is “one of the worst experiences a person or a family can have.”

Discussion Items

1. Tax Levy Ordinance (13682-25) – Establishing the 2026 real property tax levy. Approved without discussion.
2. Fee Schedule Amendment (13734-25) – An administration amendment proposed raising certain county department fees to cover revenue shortfalls caused by Council‑approved increases (including rental assistance and public defender/DA office funding). Councilmember Palmasina explained the amendment. Councilmember Klein noted that the new fees for Boyce Park ski slopes increased twice compared to other recreational amenities, expressing a preference for the previous increase. Councilmember Fatullis and Hallam defended the fee increases as necessary to align with costs and avoid taxpayer subsidies for park usage. The amendment passed 13‑1, with Councilmember Betkowski voting no. The ordinance as amended passed 14‑0.
3. Operating Budget Resolution (13683-25) – An administration amendment mirrored the fee‑schedule changes. Similar discussion. The amendment passed 13‑1 (Betkowski opposed); the resolution passed 14‑0.
4. Capital Budget Resolution (13684-25) – Approved 14‑0 without discussion.
5. Grants and Special Accounts Budget (13685-25) – Approved 14‑0 without discussion.
6. Liaison Reports – Councilmember Macy reported on Public Works winter road safety and salting operations. Councilmember Hallam noted the Southwest PA Commission’s Vision Zero plan, identifying ten dangerous traffic corridors in Allegheny County.

Key Outcomes

| Item | Vote | Status | |------|------|--------| | 13682-25 – Tax Levy Ordinance | 14‑0 | Passed | | 13734-25 – Fee Schedule Amendment | Amendment 13‑1; Bill as amended 14‑0 | Adopted | | 13683-25 – Operating Budget Resolution | Amendment 13‑1; Resolution as amended 14‑0 | Adopted | | 13684-25 – Capital Budget Resolution | 14‑0 | Passed | | 13685-25 – Grants/Special Accounts Budget | 14‑0 | Passed |

• All votes were unanimous except for Councilmember Betkowski’s “no” votes on the two administration amendments.

New Business

Several ordinances and resolutions were introduced and referred to committees:

• 13738-25 – Establishing protocol for expeditious autopsies of individuals who die in custody at the Allegheny County Jail (Public Safety Committee).
• 13739-25 – Goals for an air fee relief program by the Board of Health (Health & Human Services Committee).
• 13742-25 – Ratifying revisions to Health Department rules on plumbing and building drainage (Health & Human Services).
• 13744-25 – 25‑year lease renewal with Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum (Public Works).
• 13745-25 – Temporary property tax exemption for commercial/industrial improvements in deteriorated areas of Pittsburgh (Economic Development).
• Two items (13741-25 and 13743-25) were withdrawn by the County Executive.

The meeting was adjourned without further business.