The Allegheny County Council approves the property tax increase, although 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 Director Sara Innamorato have agreed to a 1.7 mill increase, less than that Increase of 2.2 million innamorato originally proposedwhich would have corresponded to an increase of around 46%. It will be the first property tax increase in Allegheny County in more than a decade.

The county executive says the budget guarantees no layoffs of county employees, no cuts to public safety or public works and full funding for the Department of Human Services.

Earlier on Tuesday, Innamorato announced a compromise with Budget Chairman Robert Palmosina.

Some district council members pointed this out that Innamorato’s budget did not have enough votes to pass, but Innamorato claimed it was necessary to provide essential services and avoid layoffs.

“I am pleased that we have reached a negotiated budget with the leadership of the council. The agreed budget will begin to address the fiscal challenges we inherited from the previous government. “In addition, it will avoid layoffs and fully fund critical services and programs that the people of Allegheny County rely on, putting the county in a stronger position to meet its long-term obligations,” Innamorato said in a news release.

Innamorato cautioned that this property tax increase balances the budget rather than creating a windfall and that the county needs to manage its finances carefully.

“I am pleased to complete this 2025 budget process in a way that does not involve layoffs of county employees, increases funding for law enforcement and public safety forces, and maintains services for the residents of our county,” Palmosina said in a statement.