The proposals still need to be approved by Allegheny County voters.
On Tuesday, an Allegheny County Council committee voted 5-2 to advance two charter amendments that would ask voters whether to remove restrictions on council’s budget and access to county-funded benefits.
The amendments need to be approved by voters. They would eliminate existing Home-Rule Charter limits on County Council’s spending authority and member benefits.
The amendments would not increase council funding or provide any new benefits, but council would be able to pursue changes through future legislation.
The proposals are advancing for consideration before the full 15-member council. They will need a majority vote and the county executive’s signature before heading to voters on the November ballot.
The Home-Rule Charter limits County Council’s annual operating budget to 0.4% of the county’s locally levied tax revenues. The amendment that would repeal the charter is supported by those who say the cap restricts council’s ability to hire and retain staff and secure legal services.
“We have a cap on how much we can be funded, which is different than what we actually get appropriated each year. So, what this referendum question is – it doesn’t increase our budget, all it does is it eliminates the cap,” explained Bethany Hallam, D-at-large.
Some are skeptical of removing the cap.
“My concern is an unlimited (cap), and I understand that it doesn’t automatically mean that we would get more money, or that this council, in particular, would go crazy and do nothing. But my constituents are concerned about the unlimited nature of it,” said Suzanne Filiaggi, R-Franklin Park.
The second amendment, if advanced through the full County Council, would ask voters whether to eliminate charter restrictions that prevent council members from receiving county-funded personal staff, district offices, health insurance, life insurance, and pension.
Supporters of this amendment share the argument that the lack of benefits prevents County Council from functioning as an independent branch of government.
“I put in a good 20 to 25 hours a week, that’s on top of a 40-hour full-time job. Not having access to health care through this position dissuades a lot of people from pursuing it,” said committee chair Dan Gryzbek, D-Bethel Park.
Some council members voiced concerns over the public’s perception of the amendments following last year’s tax increase.
The Government Reform Committee considered the amendments. Filiaggi and Futules voted against both measures.
If the full council approves the amendments, they will appear before voters on November’s ballot.
