Pensions, state cuts talk of budget hearing

Philadelphia City Council started seven weeks of hearings into the upcoming fiscal year’s proposal, the five-year plan and the school-district finances yesterday.

On the first day, Mayor Michael Nutter’s chief of staff, Clarence Armbrister, talked about the crushing burden of the city’s pension fund. He noted that reduced state funding immediately alluded to a “devastating impact” but after analysis “will not hit as hard as predicted.” Potential cuts could impact the Department of Human Services, supportive housing, HIV-prevention programs, lead abatement and health-center services.

The city plans to close a prison in coming years while investing in a new police-recruit class.