Repeal charter limit on council staff and benefits funding

The question asks Allegheny County voters whether to repeal Article III, Subsection 7(c) of the County Home Rule Charter, which restricts County funding for Council members' personal staff, district offices, and fringe benefits. Council members now get a stipend but no such funds, unlike other elected officers. The official statement says a YES vote would let Council members eventually receive these benefits, but would not immediately create a budget for them. A NO vote keeps the current restriction.

Currently, County Council members receive a stipend in compensation for their service, but no funds for personal staff, local district offices, or fringe benefits such as health and life insurance, pensions, or personal motor vehicles. Other elected officers of the County do receive such benefits. The proposal asserts that this lack of financial support limits the field of individuals willing to run for Council. A yes vote would allow County Council members to eventually receive such benefits but does not immediately create a budget or funding allocation to support expenditures necessary to provide such benefits.