Seventeen months ago, officials launched an effort that Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said would answer the question: "Should the city merge with the county?"

Today, Mr. Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg are expected to address that question when they announce the findings of a committee on government efficiency.

The tight-lipped 13-member Advisory Committee to Enhance Efficiency and Effectiveness of County and City Government has reviewed city and county functions, studied regions that have merged, and spent months trying to build consensus and finalize language in a report.

City, county and university officials all refused to talk about the findings yesterday.

Mr. Onorato has said he supports cooperation and potentially full merger if it results in lower costs and improved services for both city and county residents.

Mr. Ravenstahl has viewed the prospect of full merger with skepticism. After a July trip to Louisville, Ky., with committee members, he said there's "no quick fix, no blueprint" that would apply to Pittsburgh.

Some on the committee have favored full consolidation. They've had to wrestle, though, with the fact that state laws on municipal mergers exempt Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, meaning the rules of such a marriage have yet to be written.

Other barriers include the city's $768 million debt and approximately $490 million pension shortfall. Barring an infusion of cash from the state, that would have to be dealt with in any merger.

Some researchers have found that partial cooperation is easier and equally effective. The city and county already have merged 911 services, fingerprinting, courts and some purchasing.

The committee includes representatives of the mayor, county executive, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, labor and suburban municipalities. The report is not expected to address suburban consolidation.