Council approves $7 million reappropriation to cover part of unpaid 2025 Pittsburgh Water bill

The Finance & Law committee on Dec. 22 recommended approval of a resolution to reappropriate $7,000,000 in 2025 funds for payment against an outstanding 2025 Pittsburgh Water bill.

Chief Financial Officer Patrick Cornell explained that the city and Pittsburgh Water perform an annual true‑up and the final invoices and adjustments are not finalized until the beginning of the next fiscal year. “What this will be is if approved, the ability to use ’25 funds in 2026 to pay the 2025 bill,” Cornell said, adding the gross unpaid amount for 2025 was described in committee as larger than $7 million and the $7 million is a partial payment pending true‑up.

Councilmembers raised concerns about how the water payment affects the broader budget. One council member noted that historically the municipality had no direct water bill for over a century and said, “for over 100 years, our water bill was 0,” arguing the added obligation has tightened the city’s budget. Members discussed tradeoffs and line‑item reductions, with one member saying the city has worked over the weekend and into the week to find ways to keep parks and pools open while addressing the water obligation.

What it does and what it doesn't: The resolution moves budget authority to permit city funds to be applied in 2026 to outstanding 2025 charges; CFO Cornell described offsets (pension, in‑lieu payroll tax adjustments) that will be reconciled in the true‑up. The committee recorded an affirmative recommendation; the full council will consider the measure.

Attribution: Explanatory quotes are from Patrick Cornell, chief financial officer, and comments from councilmembers during committee discussion.