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Finance committee approves settlement payment, invoices and flags police surveillance software

Pittsburgh City Council standing committees · February 12, 2026

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Summary

Finance committee approved a settlement warrant and routine invoices and p-card approvals; Councilwoman Gross raised concerns about a $2,754 invoice for Leeds Online LLC (Sellhawk) used by the police bureau, referencing reporting on continuous surveillance capabilities and noting the administration’s assertion the city uses the tool only with judicial warrants.

The finance and law committee on Feb. 11 approved a resolution authorizing a one-time warrant payment (bill 85) of up to $10,000 to Justin Hickox to resolve an employment matter, following confirmation that the matter had been discussed in executive session. Members then approved routine invoices and p-card expenditures by voice vote.

During invoice consideration, Councilwoman Gross drew attention to a $2,754 invoice for Sellhawk software from Leeds Online LLC used by the Bureau of Police. Gross cited reporting in The Intercept describing the software’s capacity for continuous automated surveillance and said she had asked the administration for clarity. The administration replied that the city has used the contract for seven years and that records are requested only with a judge’s warrant.

Why it matters: The invoice is small in dollar terms but raised policy concerns about surveillance capabilities, transparency and the need for stronger privacy safeguards and oversight. Gross said the exchange illustrated the importance of updated policies and legislative attention to new surveillance technologies.

Action taken: The committee approved bill 85 (affirmative recommendation), approved invoices and p-card expenditures by voice votes and recorded the motion to hold other finance-related matters where applicable.

Next steps: The settlement will proceed as authorized and the council’s finance and public-safety committees may pursue further information or policy work on surveillance contracting and warrant policies.