Ferguson supervisors approve joining Allegheny Strategy Partners effort; $5,100 for Phase 1 participation authorized

Township staff presented a proposal to join an Allegheny Strategy Partners (ASP) regional initiative to study revenue and sustainability options for municipalities facing increased emergency-service costs tied to large events. ASP representative Mike Negra (introduced by the manager) described a Phase 1 contract that began in April and runs through September; he asked Ferguson to pay $5,100 to join the effort and receive the data and interim deliverables. "Our contract with the township started in April. It ends in September," the consultant said, and added that the $5,100 request "has nothing to do with my fee" (his fee was paid by other participating municipalities).

Board members split on the issue: several said the state legislature is unlikely to cede enabling power and preferred investing in staff training, while others said the modest amount would yield an action plan and improve the township’s bargaining position with Penn State and event promoters. After discussion and public comment from officials and residents supporting regional coordination, the board approved participation and the $5,100 payment by voice vote; staff will coordinate next steps with ASP.