Claiming "progress in our discussions with Pittsburgh's nonprofit community," Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today called for another postponement of a scheduled vote on his proposed tuition tax. Council followed up with an early afternoon vote that pushes the tax vote back to Monday.

"Over the last several days, thanks to your strength, conviction and support, we have made progress," Mr. Ravenstahl wrote in a letter to council members, "enough so that I feel that a one-week hold on this bill is an appropriate measure.

"My goal is to come to an agreement with the nonprofit community before the end of the year and I am more hopeful than ever that we can do that."

Last night, Councilwomen Tonya Payne and Theresa Smith continued their efforts at diplomacy with university leaders who vehemently oppose the proposed 1 percent tuition levy and don't want to enter into any negotiations regarding voluntary payments or any other concrete measures until it is shelved.

"It is my hope," the mayor wrote, "if talks continue as they have, that we will have new and strong partners in our efforts to complete our financial recovery."

Mary Hines, president of Carlow University and chairwoman of the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education, confirmed that "conversations" between the universities, mayor's office and council members were "progressing" to the point that a concrete arrangement might emerge "in the next week or so."

In discussions now is the creation of a broad-based coalition with a charge to find "strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the city," she said. "Give it a period of time, maybe six months, to accomplish something."

Just providing a dollar figure for a contribution wouldn't really solve the city's challenges, she said. "We believe there are long-term systemic issues that should be addressed.

"I see more goodwill in coming together for a conversation focused on the long-term sustainability of the city, and not immediate short-term goals."

Mr. Ravenstahl has said that the tuition tax would raise the $15 million a year the administration says it needs to replenish the city's pension fund, but he would settle for a voluntary $5 million-a-year pledge from the city's tax-exempt institutions, plus their agreement to help him convince Harrisburg to provide a means to raise the balance.

Council meets again on Monday and then holds its year-end meeting on Dec. 29, but could conceivably schedule other gatherings.

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