PITTSBURGH -- The city of Pittsburgh was having money troubles, prompting then-Mayor Tom Murphy to ask for state oversight.

That deemed "financial distress" is the reason that Pittsburgh is under State Act 47 supervision.

Some council members feel it's time to set in motion the process of casting off that supervision.

But intense debate made it clear, the rest of council feels now is not yet that time.

Finance chair Doug Shields led the attack, saying figures show Pittsburgh is still in financial trouble and Act 47 opponents have no proof otherwise.

"This budget has a built in $9.4 million structural deficit. That is a fact," said Shields.

"We still have an approximately $1 billion debt. That's really running the credit card up. If we were an individual, there'd be creditors that would have torn up every credit card that we had," said councilman Bill Peduto.

Twanda Carlisle defended her bill, saying it would force the state's Act 47 team to publicly answer questions about the city's financial health.

"Are we afraid to open the box and see what's inside? People say let's not tick off the state or Harrisburg. But shouldn't it be Harrisburg should not tick off the people that vote for them," Carlisle said.

"If we're still distressed, tell us you're still distressed. You' re going to need three more years until your numbers say this. And I'd say, 'Thank you,'" councilman Jim Motznik said.

Council voted down the bill 5-4.

The legislation was drafted and backed by the Firefighters Union president Joe King and his union. Act 47 inhibits union bargaining power.

The head of the police union also backed the bill.

Even if Act 47 opponents were to be successful, it would not end financial oversight for the city.

There's also the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority -- or the oversight board -- a creation of the state legislature. It would also continue to oversee the city for the foreseeable future.