Philadelphia City Council members are divided over whether to abolish the city’s elected sheriff’s office after a court hearing revealed that the office had failed to transfer nearly $20 million in revenue to city coffers. The money, largely proceeds from tax-delinquent property auctions, was held in several sheriff’s office bank accounts before being identified and disbursed. The discovery renewed calls from government watchdogs and reform advocates to eliminate the office, which oversees courthouse security, prisoner transportation, warrant service, and auctions of foreclosed or tax-delinquent properties. Council President Kenyatta Johnson opposed the idea, calling instead for reforms to improve efficiency and transparency. Several other members said they were open to discussing abolition or needed more information. Eliminating the office would require council to approve an amendment to the city’s Home Rule Charter, followed by a citywide ballot question. The Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority called for abolishing the sheriff’s office and the register of wills in 2025. The latest discovery adds to longstanding concerns about the sheriff’s office, including delayed collection of an estimated $35 million in tax revenue because of stalled property auctions and previous questions about the handling of fee revenue.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 10/15/2026