(July 1, 2003)
Allegheny County Manager Bob Webb on Monday delivered the county's first Sunset Review Report to Chief Executive Jim Roddey and all members of County Council. The report, required by the Home Rule Charter and Administrative Code, contains an overview of County government, a series of recommendations, a detailed analysis of each department and the transcript of the June 19 public hearing.

Webb recommended the Chief Executive and County Council consider creating a Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety which would effectively organize the County to better protect the public in times of terrorism and natural disasters. The new department would bring together the Departments of Police, Emergency Services, Jail, and Shuman Center, with certain functions of Public Works, Health, Communications and Administrative Services.

Webb also suggested the Executive and Council explore ways to expand the role of alternative service delivery. The report asks the Executive and Council to examine the opportunities that private and non-profit sectors could provide to county residents. Webb's other recommendations included more intergovernmental cooperation and the possible creation of a regional health task force modeled on the highly successful Region 13 counter-terrorism task force which takes a regional approach to disaster planning and response.

Under the Administrative Code, Council has until Oct. 15 to reach a decision on continuing, abolishing or reorganizing the departments reviewed in the report.