A Democratic member of the Pittsburgh City Council has proposed a 30% property tax hike to cover the city’s “budgetary gaps.”
WESA reports City Councilor Barbara Warwick (D-District 5) acknowledged her proposal would not be popular with homeowners, but stressed the city had no choice in generating new funds to maintain operations. Her proposal raises the city’s property tax rate from 8.06 mills to 10.48 mills – an owner of a $100,000 home would be taxed roughly $20 more each month, or $242 a year.
“This is something no elected official wants to do, but it is the responsible thing to do,” Warwick said in a statement. “Times are tough for everyone right now, but after 11 years without a tax increase, the city needs additional revenue in order to keep providing the core services that our residents deserve and depend on. It is our responsibility to fill these budgetary gaps without cutting the things that make Pittsburgh such a special place to live.”
Several council members who complained that Mayor Ed Gainey’s $678 million operating budget fails to cover overtime costs and other municipal expenses. Warwick avoided faulting Gainey, stating that her option seems more than responsible.”
City Controller Rachael Heisler questioned Warwick’s proposal, noting the city code requires the final budget not exceed the originally proposed version by more than 2%. Incoming Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor did not comment on Warwick’s plan. The city is required by law to have its budget in place by Dec. 31.
