By the narrowest of margins, Pittsburgh City Council voted yesterday to put the clamps on campaign cash, but Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's administration would not say whether he would sign it or issue a crippling veto.

The 5-4 vote gave final approval to Councilman William Peduto's bill to limit contributions to city candidates to $2,000 per election by individuals or partnerships, and $5,000 by political committees.

Skeptics said the bill would hamstring city officials seeking higher office or give wealthy candidates a leg up because they can still pump their personal fortunes into campaigns.

The majority, though, said any shortcomings were outweighed by the importance of eliminating the high-dollar contributions that encourage a "pay-to-play" culture in which donations and city favors sometimes seem linked.

"I believe there are times -- and I believe this is a time -- when our vote symbolizes more than an issue, when our vote symbolizes the future direction of our city," said Councilman Ricky Burgess, who joined Mr. Peduto, Bruce Kraus, Patrick Dowd and Council President Doug Shields in voting for the ordinance.

Voting no were Dan Deasy, Darlene Harris, Jim Motznik and Tonya Payne. They later joined a unanimous council in passing a resolution asking the state to adopt contribution limits.

Mr. Ravenstahl has said he supports online disclosure of campaign finance reports, which the bill requires, but has doubts about contribution limits. Yesterday, the administration would not say whether he will sign the bill, which hasn't reached his desk.

It would take six votes to override a veto.

Mr. Peduto and supporters said Supreme Court rulings prevent government from limiting candidates' use of their personal money on their campaigns. Under his proposal, the donation limits in the legislation would double if any candidate used $250,000 of his or her own money for campaigns.

They said that any city official seeking to run for county or state office could create a separate political committee that could take unlimited checks.

Big donors would have to disclose any contracts, employment relationships or board appointments with the city or its authorities.