Allegheny County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Allegheny County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sheriff's Lawsuit and Ordinance 13808-26 Litigation
The sheriff pulled deputies from guarding jailed patients at hospitals earlier this year over costs, and council is being asked to fund 16 contingent positions. Council Member Hallam demanded assurances the office won't withhold services again during budget negotiations.
District Attorney Staffing and Caseload Pressures
President Judge Ovazhevic said DHS gives judges fewer than 1% of its pretrial diversion plans because the public defender objects, and the public defender walked away from the new competency court, leaving it unlaunched.
Emergency Medical Services Funding Protocol Clarification
Council streamlined the rules for distributing opioid settlement funds to local EMS providers, making it easier for agencies to access financial support.
Public Defender Office Air Conditioning Repairs
A public defender testified that staff are working in temperatures up to 87 degrees due to broken air conditioning.
County Council Legal Representation in Prison Union Lawsuit
Council voted to have its solicitor evaluate whether to file an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case involving the prison employees union and the Labor Relations Board. Supporters argued it protects the county's ability to legislate jail safety conditions, while the dissenting member questioned the use of resources since the high court already took up the case.