During a recent government meeting, public concerns regarding budget management and tax policies were prominently voiced. Bob Wall, a resident of Scranton, criticized the University of Scranton's tax-exempt status, arguing that only the chapel should qualify for such exemptions. He expressed frustration over perceived inefficiencies in the district attorney's office and called for budget cuts, emphasizing that taxpayers cannot bear the financial burden indefinitely.

Wall highlighted a lack of proposed cuts in the current budget, stating, \"I didn't hear one cut from Bazzoni or anybody else.\" He urged the board to reevaluate the budget, claiming it contained numerous flaws that could be legally challenged. His comments reflected a broader concern about fiscal responsibility and the need for transparency in budgetary decisions.

In response to Wall's remarks, a commissioner noted that the county assessment office is currently reviewing all tax exemptions in Scranton, which may lead to significant findings. This review could potentially impact the financial landscape of the city.

Carlin Preate, another speaker at the meeting, addressed the issue of tax increases, clarifying that had taxes been raised consistently over the past four years, the current increase would have been significantly lower than the 33% proposed for this year. Preate's comments underscored the complexities of budget management and the implications of tax policies on residents.

The discussions at the meeting reflect ongoing tensions regarding fiscal policy, accountability, and the management of public funds in Scranton, as community members seek greater efficiency and transparency from their elected officials.