Philadelphia's unfinished budget likely keep Council on short leash

Philadelphia City Council members may find themselves forgoing their vacation plans and working more than they’re used to this summer. The city’s budget woes may keep them in town.

Philadelphia City Council members may find themselves forgoing their vacation plans and working more than they’re used to this summer. The city’s budget woes may keep them in town.

In a typical year, Council would just be wrapping up a few loose ends after passing a budget. But this year, Council members are waiting to see if they get the green light from Harrisburg. Meanwhile, casinos are still on the table. Council has yet to approve the zoning change for the new Foxwoods site at the former Strawbridges department store.

The Committee of Seventy’s Zack Stalberg says it’s unusual for Council to be in this position.

Stalberg: Inevitably as the city campaigns for approval for pension changes and for a sales tax hike in Harrisburg, the legislators in Harrisburg are gonna want a proof that casino plans are moving forward. So Council may prefer to be on the beach in Sea Isle or Longport but I think that they’re gonna be around for issues like this one.

Stalberg says upcoming labor talks will also keep Council in town. If they break down the city could be facing a trash strike.