Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald presented his 12th and final budget and comprehensive fiscal plan Tuesday, touting the economic growth of the region under his tenure and shoring up the county’s finances by dramatically increasing its rainy day fund.

Fitzgerald’s 2024 budget proposes a total of about $3 billion, which would represent a 3.4% increase compared to 2023, when the county budget just barely eclipsed $3 billion for the first time in history.

His proposed budget has no property tax increases for the 12th year in a row despite Allegheny County property values more than doubling over his tenure.

He said during an evening address to Allegheny County Council that he is proud his budget proposal is fiscally sound and helps move this region forward. He also touted increasing the county’s fund balance, or rainy day fund, to $53 million. The fund balance was about $6 million for Fitzgerald’s first budget in 2011.

“Having a healthy rainy day fund has allowed us to continue serving the public when we hit fiscal storms, when the rain came down pretty hard,” said Fitzgerald, who added that the county’s large fund balance allowed it to keep senior centers open during the state budget impasse of 2016 and offset pandemic revenue losses.

Fitzgerald proposed an operating budget of just over $1 billion, a slight increase compared to 2023. Grants are proposed at $1.7 billion of the total budget, about the same as 2023.

Operating budget funds include additional monies for the four Kane Community Living Centers and an expansion of the division of Veteran Services. Federal funds from the American Rescue Plan will help to support the county’s new Public Health Lab in Marshall Township.

The 2024 capital budget was proposed at $116 million, a significant jump from the 2023 proposal of $84 million. The capital budget proposal includes money for a “comprehensive overhaul and improvement” for the county’s first responder communication system, according to a press release sent after the meeting.

It also includes significant funding to improve the county’s parks.

Fitzgerald said capital budgets over his tenure have been successful in replacing and repairing county-owned bridges. He said when he first took office, there were 72 bridges out of 305 that were rated in poor condition, and that by the end of 2024 that number will be reduced to zero.

When we think about fixing all those poor-rated bridges, it is something we ought to be proud of,” Fitzgerald said.

He also touted environmental efforts like bringing solar panels and hydroelectric plants to power county facilities and parks, as well as providing financial support for more than 150 miles of new bike and pedestrian trails. Deer Lakes Park and the Pittsburgh International Aiport also use onsite natural gas to power operations.

Fitzgerald said these efforts have helped to reduce the county’s air pollution and improve the region’s air quality.

He also said that funding increases at the Community College of Allegheny County over the years has been impactful, including workforce development projects that have boosted relationships with local employers, as well as more than $12 million in capital improvements at the community college since 2009.

Lastly, he acknowledged his administration’s efforts at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Fitzgerald said air service development has increased by 70% since he took office, and the nonstop destinations increased from 36 to 61 cities.

He said the airport’s $1.4 billion upgrade project will generate $2.5 billion in economic activity and create 14,000 jobs, without raising any local taxes.

Last year, some amendments were added to the budget by Allegheny County Council, including additional funds for the housing court help desk and the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC).

Another amendment to give public defenders salary increases out of the county’s general fund led to contention between Allegheny County Councilwoman Bethany Hallam, D-Marshall-Shadeland, and Councilman DeWitt Walton, D-Hill District, before it was ultimately defeated.

Hallam said she expects to include amendments to the budget to increase CCAC funding to the “extent required by law” and to propose funding for an independent solicitor for the Jail Oversight Board.

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