tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post113482700211897331..comments2023-10-24T11:05:25.288-04:00Comments on Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events: Overseer finds error in budget that favors cityMark Rauterkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-1134827127928525362005-12-17T08:45:00.000-05:002005-12-17T08:45:00.000-05:00Overseer finds error in budget that favors cityInc...<I>Overseer finds error in budget that favors city<BR/>Income projections $2.5 million short<BR/><BR/>Saturday, December 17, 2005<BR/>By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette<BR/><BR/>Pittsburgh's fiscal overseers said yesterday that they've identified a $2.5 million error that could provide some breathing room in the city's budget.<BR/><BR/>The city annually receives that amount from the Sports & Exhibition Authority, which it uses to pay off old stadium-related debt, said Act 47 team co-leader James Roberts. The cost side of that pass-through was counted in Mayor Tom Murphy's proposed 2006 budget, but not the income side, he said.<BR/><BR/>Mr. Roberts submitted proposed changes to the budget that would add that amount, but also subtract $555,000 in new costs. In all, the changes could allow Pittsburgh City Council to pass a budget that calls for a modest $2 million year-end balance.<BR/><BR/>The subtractions include $405,000 from an agreement with the laborer's union that wasn't included in the budget. Another $150,000 in costs would come from the city covering health insurance premium increases for all employees earning less than $40,000.<BR/><BR/>Mr. Roberts said he is still adamant that nonunion employees earning more than $40,000 shoulder higher health insurance contributions. Their ranks include council members, managers and department heads.<BR/><BR/>Council members have argued that nonunion workers, who haven't received raises in years, should not have to pay higher health insurance contributions. That disagreement has resulted in a budget impasse.<BR/><BR/>Council must pass a budget by year's end, and is scheduled to take a final vote on Monday. If the state-appointed Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority doesn't approve it, state funds may be withheld and the authority could intercept new tax revenue next year.<BR/><BR/>The authority and Act 47 team are working together in talks with council.<BR/><BR/>(Rich Lord can be reached at rlord@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1542.)</I>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com