Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
Title
Resolution requesting that the Pennsylvania Secretary of Community and Economic Development determine that the City of Pittsburgh is a Financially Distressed Municipality.
Body
Whereas, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh has the ability to file for financial relief under Act 47 of 1987, without mayoral consent; and,
Whereas, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh reasonably believes that the City is or will be unable to meet all of its financial obligations without unduly burdening current residents and taxpayers though the severe reductions of basic service and unfair increases in taxes; and,
Whereas, the reasons for the request for financial relief include the City's inability to collect a fair amount of revenue from large non-profit organizations, the 225,000 commuters that enter the city every day and the high cost of sustaining the City's aging infrastructure, Southwestern Pennsylvania's cultural/entertainment center and regional economic hub; and,
Whereas, lack of revenue over an extended period has forced the city to incur significant debt, reduce services, and become uncompetitive with surrounding communities; and,
Whereas, the Mayor and City Council have proposed various alternatives to state leaders who have been unable to come to a consensus on those proposals or produce reasonable alternatives that provide the necessary tools for financial restructuring and proper management in a timely manner; Now, THEREFORE
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1: That in accordance with its legal standing under Act 47 of 1987, P.L. 246 (as amended) Pittsburgh City Council formally requests a determination of municipal financial distress for the municipal corporation known as the City of Pittsburgh from the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (the "Secretary").
Section 2: The President of Pittsburgh City Council is authorized...
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