Protecting Taxpayer Interests Through Transparency, Accountability & Responsible Government
— August 3, 2026
Local and state government decisions have a direct impact on taxpayers, homeowners, and citizens throughout Allegheny County and Pennsylvania. This briefing highlights several issues currently generating public discussion and encourages informed conversation about government transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability.
1. Election Transparency & Accuracy of Voter Records
Access to Deceased Voter Records and Non-Jury Summons Lists
https://x.com/scottpresler/status/2080793098163302631?s=42
Maintaining accurate voter registration records is essential to public confidence in elections.
Key Issue:
Citizens should have confidence that voter rolls are accurate, properly maintained, and subject to appropriate transparency while protecting personal information.
2. Allegheny County Pension Fund Oversight
Protecting Employees While Protecting Taxpayers
Concerns have been raised regarding the long-term management and financial performance of the Allegheny County pension system, including claims involving approximately $1.4 billion in financial impact..
Key Issue:
Responsible pension management must protect earned benefits while ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed wisely.
3. Proposed Countywide Property Reassessment Every Three Years
First New Reassessment Proposed for 2028
A proposal would require Allegheny County to conduct a countywide reassessment every three years beginning with a new reassessment in 2028.
Key Issue:
A fair assessment system must balance accuracy, taxpayer impact, and government efficiency.
4. Proposal to Remove the Cap on Allegheny County Council’s Operating Budget
Government Spending & Legislative Accountability
A proposal would remove restrictions on County Council’s operating budget.
5. Proposal to Provide Additional Benefits to County Council Members
Compensation, Benefits & Public Trust
A proposal would allow Allegheny County Council members to receive additional benefits.
6. Proposed 18-Week Paid Family Leave Requirement
Allegheny County is considering a proposal that would require eligible employees working in the county to receive up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth, adoption, or placement of a child.
The proposal was introduced through the Allegheny County Health Department as an amendment to the County’s existing Paid Sick Leave regulations. Rather than creating a benefit only for county employees, it would create a countywide employment requirement for private employers.
7. All Allegheny County residents – Allegheny County voters will be asked whether to amend the
County Home Rule Charter by removing existing restrictions on benefits and resources available to members of Allegheny County Council.
The ballot question states: “Shall Article III, Section 7(c) of the Home Rule Charter be repealed, removing the prohibition that only applies to County Council members receiving County funding for personal staff, district offices, and fringe benefits?”
What a YES Vote Would Do
A YES vote would repeal the current charter restriction that prevents Allegheny County Council members from receiving county-funded:
Personal staff
District offices
Fringe benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, and pension benefits
If approved, County Council members would no longer be prohibited by the Home Rule Charter from receiving these county-funded resources. Future decisions regarding these benefits and resources would be determined through the county budget and legislative process.
What a NO Vote Would Do
A NO vote would keep the existing Home Rule Charter language in place, continuing the prohibition on County Council members receiving county-funded personal staff, district offices, and fringe benefits
