Senator Piccola - Seizing the assets of Harrisburg

Click to View

Senate Rules Committee passes Sen. Piccola's SB 1151 as amended, the bill now allows for an appointed receiver to seize control of The Harrisburg Authority, The Harrisburg Parking Authority and The Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority ___________________________________________Section 2. The act is amended by adding chapters to read: CHAPTER 6 FISCAL EMERGENCIES IN CITIES OF THE THIRD CLASS Section 601. Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Authority." A municipal authority, parking authority or any other authority or corporate entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by a distressed city or to which a distressed city has power of appointment. THE TERM SHALL NOT INCLUDE A JOINT MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY. "City." A city of the third class. "Debt obligations." Any obligation to pay money, including amounts owed for payments relating to lease rental debt, debt service, bonds, notes, guarantees for bonds or notes, trust indentures, CONTRACTS or other agreements. "Distressed city." A city which has been determined to be financially distressed under section 203(f). "Fiscal emergency." A determination made by the Governor under section 602(b). "Insolvent." Unable to meet all financial obligations as they become due, including payment of debt obligations. "Vital and necessary services." Basic and fundamental municipal services, including any of the following: (1) Police and fire services. (2) Ambulance and rescue services. (3) Water supply and distribution. (4) Wastewater services. (5) Refuse collection and disposal. (6) Snow removal. (7) Fulfillment of financial obligations necessary for the continued provision of one or more basic and fundamental municipal services, including payroll PAYROLL and pension obligations, lease rental debt and all other debt obligations. (8) FULFILLMENT OF PAYMENT OF DEBT OBLIGATIONS OR ANY OTHER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS. Section 602. Declaration of fiscal emergency. (a) Fiscal emergency.‑‑A THE GOVERNOR DETERMINES A fiscal emergency exists if the distressed city: (1) (i) is insolvent or is projected to be insolvent within 180 days or less; or (ii) is unable to ensure the continued provision of vital and necessary services; and (2) (i) has failed to adopt or fully implement the coordinator's plan; or (ii) has failed to adopt or fully implement an alternative plan that the secretary has approved under section 246. (b) Governor.‑‑Upon making a determination that a state of fiscal emergency exists, the Governor may declare a state of fiscal emergency within the distressed city. Immediately upon making the declaration, the Governor shall: (1) Provide written notice of the declaration to the governing body AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of the distressed city along with a concise statement of facts supporting the determination. (2) Direct the secretary to, within ten days of the Governor's declaration, develop an emergency action plan to ensure that vital and necessary services are maintained within the city during the state of fiscal emergency. Tags: Piccola SB 1151 Harrisburg Act47 Chapter 9 Photo/Natalie Cake

 
Tags: Act 47, Harrisburg, Senator Jeff Picola