Pittsburgh City Council on Dec. 9 debated a $6,907,813.31 construction contract for a new Sawmill Run salt-storage facility and voted unanimously to recommit the measure to committee for further review.

Councilwoman Warwick and council colleagues raised questions about the cost, noting site prep, demolition, and stormwater work are required. Councilmember Kale Smith moved to recommit the bill and requested an itemized breakdown of costs; the clerk recorded a roll-call vote that passed 9–0 to send the bill back to committee.

Councilwoman Warwick described the proposed facility as a 7,000-ton structure intended to ensure the city has sufficient winter salt stock: she said delays could raise costs and that the design would be wood-based "because of the salts." Council members asked for an itemized cost breakdown and compared the price to other nearby county projects to understand the price differential.

Council members emphasized the operational need to maintain adequate salt supplies after last winter's shortages, but also pressed staff and the administration for greater cost transparency. The clerk announced the bill will be recommitted and put on the standing committee agenda the following day.

Next steps: Bill 25-74 will be considered again at the standing committee meeting scheduled for the next day, where members have requested an itemized cost breakdown and additional staff detail before a final vote.