Allegheny County Voters To Decide On Council Member Benefits, Staffing

PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny County voters will determine in the Nov. 3 election whether to alter the Home Rule Charter to allow county council members access to benefits, personal staff and offices.

The ballot question, approved by council members in June, will be answered as the county faces a current pension deficit of $1.4 billion.

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A "yes" vote would mean that council members should have access to funding for individual staff, district offices, and fringe benefits - including health and life insurance, pensions, and personal motor vehicles. A "no" vote would maintain the current Home Rule Charter restrictions.

The 15-member council serves as the county's legislative branch of government. The positions are part-time and pay an annual stipend of around $11,000. Council members currently share a three-member staff.

According to the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, supporters of the Home Rule Charter change contend it would increase council's effectiveness as an independent branch of government.

Supporters also note that council members are the only elected council members barred from having fringe benefits and personal staff, which discourages people from serving on the panel.

Those supporting a "no" vote on the referendum assert the Home Rule Charter was intended to create a part-time council with limited costs to the county. Although the proposal doesn't approve funding for new services at this time, it opens the door for ongoing funding increases.

They also contend that the decision should not be made without hearing recommendations from the government review commission. This commission is currently meeting and
is scheduled to report later in the year.

At least one council member opposes the charter change.

DeWitt Walton on Tuesday announced he will lead a countywide campaign urging residents to vote

"The county government just recently increased property taxes. We have a massive unfunded County liability in our pension system," Walton said at a news conference.

"This is clearly not the time to ask voters to increase 'perks' for county council members. That's why I am taking the lead and organizing a campaign to recommend that voters vote 'no' on this referendum."