Julia Zenkevich

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato argued Monday that despite a property tax increase, her proposed 2025 budget would include investments in social services that would pay off in the long run.

At a meeting Tuesday, Allegheny County Council heard comments from social service providers on the budget and introduced an ordinance that supporters say could make property taxes more transparent.

A state Supreme Court decision issued earlier this week upheld the legislature’s exclusive right to regulate firearms, which could have ramifications on local governments.

Allegheny County Council introduced a counterproposal to County Executive Sara Innamorato’s 2025 spending plan Tuesday. Council’s plan would cost the median homeowner roughly $10 more in property taxes each month.

Council member Dan Grzybek’s proposal includes a smaller property tax increase than County Executive Sara Innamorato proposed last month, but asks for a higher rate than a separate council proposal made last week.

Social service providers say potential budget cuts to the county’s Department of Human Services could require them to layoff employees and cut programs.

Innamorato and county council announce budget compromise for Allegheny County

Zappala called the situation “one of the most serious unfunded pension crises in the history of the Commonwealth.”

The cost of the permits, which must be renewed every five years, could increase by roughly 50% to as much as 600%.

In two municipalities, Allegheny County is sending behavioral health first responders instead of police.to answer human service and behavioral health 911 calls