Tuesday, Dec. 9: Millions Uncollected + Pittsburgh Property Tax + Budget Gap
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Pittsburgh left millions uncollected from off-duty police security gigs
A TribLive investigation has revealed that Pittsburgh failed to collect millions in fees from businesses using off-duty police officers for security and traffic control. Under Mayor Ed Gainey’s administration, debts for these “moonlighting” services ballooned to $3 million, up from $200,000 in 2021. Despite repeated warnings, the city continued supplying officers while struggling with poor recordkeeping and minimal collections. Only recently has Pittsburgh outsourced collections to vendor RollKall. Critics cite mismanagement and lack of oversight as ongoing issues. The city now acknowledges some debts may be written off entirely.
Warwick proposes 30% Pittsburgh property tax hike to close deficit
Pittsburgh City Councilmember Barb Warwick has proposed a 30% property tax increase to address a $30 million budget shortfall—the city’s first such hike in a decade. The plan, announced Monday, could raise $41.1 million in additional revenue and would cost the average homeowner with a $100,000 property an extra $20.17 per month. Warwick framed the increase as essential to maintaining core city services, citing underfunded infrastructure and emergency response vehicles. Council has also introduced a symbolic resolution urging Mayor Ed Gainey to revise the current budget, which members have called unrealistic. A public hearing is set for December 22.
Budget gap endangers Pittsburgh housing fund and small business support
The city’s budget shortfall could reduce funding for the Housing Opportunity Fund and small business programs. Councilors say they’re committed to preserving the $10 million housing fund, but face tough trade-offs, including cuts to city services or layoffs. Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposal also slashes a small business support program by 80%, drawing criticism from developers and council members alike. The city must finalize its budget by year’s end, with council planning to decide housing fund allocations by December 17.
Carnegie Museum natural history director departing for Chicago Botanic
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is preparing for a leadership change. Gretchen Baker, who became the museum’s first female director in 2021, will step down at the end of the month to become president and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden. During her tenure, Baker led major initiatives, including a new human remains policy, planning for a permanent exhibition, and securing a record $25 million gift for Dinosaur Hall renovations. The Carnegie Museums have not yet announced plans for her successor.
Construction starts on PennSTART autonomous vehicle and responder training track
Construction has begun on PennSTART, a state-of-the-art transportation testing facility in Westmoreland County. Designed to support autonomous vehicle development and first responder training, the $30 million first phase includes a high-speed, 2-mile track shaped like a “bent carabiner.” The project is led by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation and backed by state and regional partners, including PennDOT and Carnegie Mellon University. The site will offer simulation, vocational training, and real-world incident management exercises. Officials say it will boost safety, innovation, and economic growth in the region.
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