Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
Title
A Resolution of the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, supporting efforts to seek a determination of municipal financial distress under the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, Act 47 of 1987, as amended.
Body
WHEREAS, the General Assembly recognizes that changing and deteriorating economic conditions can erode the tax base of municipalities within the Commonwealth and threaten essential municipal services; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly further recognizes that for a municipality facing such conditions to remain viable, the citizens of a municipality need to be able to take certain actions to expand its revenue base and provide necessary public services; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh has concluded that it is unable to remain viable as a the largest municipality in the Western Pennsylvania Region without the assistance and partnership of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Council concurs with the conclusion that to achieve long term, structural financial integrity and provide for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens, pay its obligations when due, meet financial obligations to its employees, vendors and suppliers, the City of Pittsburgh must seek the assistance of the Commonwealth through the available remedies of the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act ("Act 47");
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED Council of the City of Pittsburgh that
1. Council supports the Mayor's petition for a determination of "municipal financial distress" under Act 47 and the appointment of a Coordinator by the Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development and ratifies actions taken to date to seek such a determination.
2. Council will take all steps necessary to work with the appointed Act 47 Coordinator to develop and approve a Plan that eliminates the structural deficit of the City, achieves tax equity for city residents and provide for fair and reasonable oversight of City expenditures.