Allegheny County has reached a consensus on a new budget that aims to balance addressing fiscal challenges and maintaining essential public services. County Executive Innamorato and County Council's Budget Chair, Robert Palmosina, announced a collaborative effort resulting in a 1.7 mill increase to secure a balanced budget for the upcoming 2025 fiscal year.
As reported by Allegheny County's official press release, the agreement's essential components include fully funding the Department of Human Services, maximizing state matching dollars, and preserving support for Emergency Rental Assistance and childcare initiatives. The budget also prioritizes replenishing the County reserve funds and commits the executive and Council to an ongoing search for more efficient use of funds throughout 2025.
Moreover, the budget allocates resources to bolster sectors critical to long-term economic viability and quality of life. Education, transportation, and economic development are set to benefit from fully funded community college (CCAC), public transportation (PRT), and Allegheny County Economic Development (ACED) efforts, which encompass various community-enriching programs ranging from blight remediation to the support of first-time home buyers and affordable housing projects.
Regarding the agreement, County Executive Innamorato emphasized the pragmatic approach taken, "I’m pleased that we reached a negotiated budget with Council leadership. The agreed upon budget will begin to chip away at the fiscal challenges we inherited from the previous administration. In addition, it will avoid layoffs, fully fund critical services and programs that the people of Allegheny County rely on and puts the County in a stronger position to meet long term obligations," as stated in the Allegheny County press release. She also acknowledged the careful balance being taken with the budget measures, stating, "We will have to manage the budget carefully to maintain long-term fiscal health and my administration is committed to work with Council and departments to find efficiencies in 2025 and increase transparency, so taxpayers understands where their money is being spent."
The County Council will formalize the budget by voting at their meeting tonight.
