When Did the County’s 2007 Deficit Appear?

When Allegheny County received a $22.4 million payment from the State’s Tourism and Economic Development Fund in the afternoon of December 31, 2007, the County Executive claimed that most of the money was needed to plug a large hole in the 2007 budget—a deficit he argues Council had been thoroughly informed about. But if there was a large 2007 deficit looming, why is there no record of it being discussed in either Council meetings or Budget and Finance Committee meetings? Moreover, why had Council not been alerted that the County’s Fund Balance reserve might have to be used to fill the budget gap? Transferring funds from the reserve should require Council approval. Continue