NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Another western Pennsylvania city is trying to stay out of filing for Act 47, a distressed city status that puts a state-appointed team in charge of the town finances.

In New Castle, citizens have actually petitioned the state for Act 47, because the city faces a $2 million budget deficit.

The petitioners said they're afraid city services would be cut without it, but at a meeting Wednesday night, an attorney pointed out that some cities are still in Act 47 after more than 15 years.

"As a taxpayer, I don't want them cutting services," said New Castle resident William Schafer. "That's why I live in the city, because I'm satisfied with our fire and our police and our public works department."

"If the purpose of the act is to recover, that's the official name of the statute, the recovery act, who has ever recovered ?" said attorney Tom Jennings.

New Castle's mayor said he would begin negotiations on Monday with city employees to talk about a wage freeze as a way to avoid Act 47.

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