Politics

Onorato Introduces 2009 Budget, Drink Tax Cut

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato presented his proposed budget for 2009 today.

It includes a previously promised reduction to the controversial drink tax.

Onorato's budget proposal holds the line on one tax and reduces another.

The proposed $762 million budget reduces the drink tax rate from the current 10 to 7 percent and the property tax rate remains the same.

The controversial drink tax was opposed by bar and restaurant owners as the potential revenue killer.

"My proposed 2009 operating budget once again holds the line on property taxes," said Onorato, "ensuring an eighth consecutive year without a property tax increase in Allegheny County. I'm also joining Councilman Jim Burn, Councilman Bob Macey and Councilman Mike Finnerty and many of you up there in recommending that we reduce the drink tax from 10 to 7 percent beginning January 1, 2009."

"All Dan's doing is throwing us a bone," said restaurant owner Jim Mitchell. "He totally underestimated our industry from the start. We're not going to take that bone and walk away. We're going to keep fighting this thing. He promised me last March that he'd work with us to find alternatives to this drink tax, instead he's fought us tooth and nail to stop us anyway we can. And it's been tough."

Onorato also said this afternoon that he will continue to pursue consolidations with city government.

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