Though it's still questioning the legality of a subpoena issued Wednesday by Pittsburgh City Council, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's office said this morning that it will provide state officials with data needed to determine the financial ramifications of a state takeover of the city pension fund.

Mayoral spokeswoman Joanna Doven said officials contacted the city's pension consultants, Mockenhaupt Benefits Group, "first thing this morning" and told the firm to provide the data to James Allen, secretary of the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System. She said the data is to be provided today.

Council, alleging Mr. Allen previously asked for the data but never received it, issued the subpoena Wednesday and demanded compliance by noon today. It said an actuarial evaluation is necessary to determine whether a state takeover of the fund would have financial consequences as severe as Mr. Ravenstahl has suggested.

Mr. Ravenstahl has said the city's annual payments could skyrocket by $27 million annually under a takeover, and he's proposed leasing the city's parking garages and meters to generate enough revenue to boost the fund and avert a takeover.

The mayor's office said it has always cooperated with Mr. Allen, didn't refuse him information and considered council's subpoena invalid.

"However, it is our goal to work cooperatively and in a respectful manner with City Council and PMRS," Ms. Doven said.

In a statement, city Councilman Bill Peduto said the information ---including lists of employees, retirees, and their benefits --is "critical" for determining the cost of a takeover.

"We need to have all the current information on the table so that City Council can make an informed decision" about leasing the parking facilities, floating a bond or allowing a state takeover, he said.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.