Council debates term-limits referendum amendment, refers the amended measure back to committee

At second reading of ordinance 13808-26, which would place a referendum on term limits on the May 19, 2026 ballot, Allegheny County Council engaged in an extended, sometimes heated debate over an amendment (Grizbec Filiaj 1) that would impose three-term (12-year) limits on county offices and row offices, with grandfathering language starting terms in January 2027.

Councilmembers expressed sharply differing views. Supporters of the amendment argued incumbency advantages impede turnover and that a three-term cap balances institutional knowledge and fresh perspectives. Opponents objected to advancing a major charter change without additional committee hearings, public input and fuller consultation with row officers. One member raised concerns that placing term limits on the ballot could have racially disparate impacts and reduce district-level voice; proponents disputed that characterization and noted voters would ultimately decide the referendum.

Procedural questions about ballot language and deadlines were raised; the clerk and chair explained Board of Elections drafts the plain-language ballot question and mid-August is a practical deadline for placement. After a roll-call vote on the amendment, Council decided to refer the amended ordinance back to the Government Reform committee for additional hearings and to invite row offices for input.

No final ballot placement was decided at the meeting; Council members requested committee hearings and public testimony before returning a final question to the voters.