Onorato Will Not Appeal Ruling on Drink Tax Cash Appropriations

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato yesterday announced that he will not appeal Common Pleas Judge Judith F. Olson's decision to restrict drink tax revenue solely for Port Authority needs. He says that as per the judge's ruling, the $12 million slated for the county's transportation budget will be given to PAT for capital needs in 2009 and 2010, and that he will not raise property taxes to mend the deficit left in the county budget. Onorato mentioned that layoffs could possibly make up part of the deficit.

Meanwhile, although the drink tax was cut from 10 percent to 7 percent on Jan. 1, some bar owners continue to charge the same price for drinks. Some owners cite the poor economy for their price increase. Though it would not be illegal to charge more for drinks, County Treasurer John Weinstein says it would be illegal if the drink tax still appeared as 10 percent on patron's bills.