In spite of growing budget woes, McKeesport city council last night passed a $19 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, holding the property tax rate at 20.76 mills.

Council President Rege McLaughlin and council members Dale McCall, Mike Cherepko, Loretta Diggs, Darryl Segina and Richard Dellapenna voted for the budget. Council member Paul Shelly was absent.

Though Mr. Segina voted for the budget, he questioned one line item: $48,000 allocated for the McKeesport Palisades, a large dance and music venue owned by the Redevelopment Authority of the City of McKeesport. Mr. Segina said the Palisades board has not submitted regular financial reports for the past three years though he's requested them.

The city will withhold the money until city officials see financial reports, but city administrator Dennis Pittman said they could be in the hands of council members by today.

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