Mayor, City Council Face Off Over City Finances

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl was grilled on Wednesday by Pittsburgh City Council members about his Act 47 budget proposal.

During a fifteen-minute Powerpoint presentation, the mayor urged the council to support his proposal, but some questioned its staff cuts and tax increases.

Council members also questioned how he’s going to come up with $15 million by September to fund the city pension plan.

The mayor said he believes he can get enough money from selling or leasing parking garages and collecting taxes from non-profit companies in the city.

Ravenstahl claimed tax increases are "a last resort."

The mayor had been ordered to attend Wednesday's meeting regarding the recovery plan.

The meeting was initially scheduled for Monday, but it was rescheduled because of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins' Victory Parade downtown.

Last week, the council voted 7-1 Wednesday to order Ravenstahl home from his family vacation trip to attend the meeting before council voted on the plan. The plan is due to state overseers June 30.

In a statement made while on vacation, Ravenstahl said, "Now, more than ever, is a time for calm, reasoned leadership. You'll get that from me. Pittsburgh now also needs it from its council."

Ravenstahl became mayor in 2006 after his predecessor, Bob O'Connor, died in office. Ravenstahl won a special election in 2007.

Previous Stories: June 10, 2009: Pittsburgh Police, Fire Unions Oppose Fiscal Plan June 9, 2009: Pittsburgh Council Boos Budget Recovery Plan