Shapiro Home Security Upgrades Face Scrutiny Over Taxpayer Funding
HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s use of over $1 million in taxpayer funds for security upgrades to his private Montgomery County home is under review by the state Treasury Department, raising questions about whether state procurement rules allow for such expenditures on non-public property.
Treasury Department Raises Concerns
Records obtained by Spotlight PA reveal that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department is questioning the legality of using public money for construction work on a privately owned residence. Treasury employees requested a “detailed” legal justification from the Pennsylvania State Police, the agency overseeing the upgrades, asking, “How does the location in question constitute being public real property?” and requesting any relevant policies defining public property to include private residences.
Treasury spokesperson Steve Chizmar stated that the department is currently auditing the bills, a process expected to seize several weeks. Spotlight PA first reported the audit.
Background: Security Concerns and Upgrades
The security upgrades were recommended by State Police officials following a break-in and arson attack at the state-owned governor’s mansion in Harrisburg last April. The attack occurred while Governor Shapiro and his family were celebrating Passover. Cody Balmer of Harrisburg pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges related to the incident, stating he would have attacked the governor if he had encountered him. ABC27 reported on the initial announcement of the upgrades.
Following the attack, an outside contractor was hired to reassess security protocols and the State Police authorized upgrades to both the governor’s mansion and his private home, as the Shapiro family was residing at their private residence full-time during the mansion’s restoration.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Publicly funded upgrades to a governor’s private home are uncommon. Pennsylvania’s ethics rules generally prohibit public officials from personally benefiting from their positions. The Shapiro administration stated last year that the governor consulted with the State Ethics Commission to ensure no improper financial gain, though records show this consultation occurred two months after construction began.
The state’s procurement handbook defines emergency construction as work done on “public real property” to address an emergency. It does not explicitly address whether this definition extends to private property. The Department of General Services has not yet clarified whether the emergency procurement code permits taxpayer funds to be used for construction on a privately owned structure.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
The security upgrades have also led to legal disputes with neighbors. Jeremy and Simone Mock have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that landscaping work encroaches on their property. The Shapiros have countersued in Montgomery County’s Court of Common Pleas, claiming the disputed land is theirs. 6abc detailed the ongoing property dispute.
Governor Shapiro is personally covering his legal bills, while the Office of General Counsel is representing him and the State Police in the federal lawsuit.
Legislative Oversight
A legislative committee, headed by Republican state Senator Jarrett Coleman, subpoenaed the Shapiro administration for records related to the upgrades. Coleman stated that the state’s emergency procurement policy is “black and white” and applies only to public property, suggesting the expenditures may be unlawful.
Expenditures to Date
Records obtained by Spotlight PA show expenditures to date include $311,230.50 for a security system, $81,043.84 for tree trimming, and $288,736 for landscaping and maintenance.