Allegheny County Council approves property tax increase, though less than originally proposed
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Property taxes will increase in Allegheny County, but not as much as originally proposed.
Allegheny County leaders and Executive Sara Innamorato have agreed to a 1.7 millage increase, less than the 2.2 mill increase Innamorato originally proposed, which would have been a hike of about 46%. It will be Allegheny County's first property tax raise in more than a decade.
The county executive says the budget guarantees no county employee layoffs, no cuts to public safety or public works, and full funding for the Department of Human Services.
Innamorato announced a compromise with budget chair Robert Palmosina earlier on Tuesday.
Some county councilmembers had indicated that Innamorato's budget didn't have enough votes to pass, but Innamorato maintained it was needed to provide critical services and avoid layoffs.
"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," Innamorato said in a press release.
Innamorato cautioned that this property tax increase balances the budget instead of creating a windfall, and the county will have to manage its finances carefully.
"I am pleased to bring this 2025 budget process to a close in a manner that provides for no layoffs of county employees, increases funding for law enforcement and public safety personnel, and maintains services for the residents of our county," Palmosina said in a statement.