During a recent government meeting, a significant discussion emerged regarding the limitations imposed by the Lackawanna County Home Rule Charter on tax increases. An attendee highlighted Section 1.1.103 of the charter, which stipulates that any tax increase exceeding 5% must be approved by a referendum among the county's qualified electors.

The conversation was sparked by a previous demonstration where a member presented an imaginary check for $15 million, symbolizing potential savings from unspent allocations. This act aimed to emphasize fiscal responsibility and the importance of adhering to budgetary constraints.

The charter's provisions were underscored, indicating that while the governing body has the option to set a maximum tax increase of 5%, any attempt to raise taxes beyond this threshold—such as a proposed 33% increase—would halt until it could be presented to voters in the next election cycle. This discussion serves as a reminder of the checks and balances in place to ensure that significant financial decisions are subject to public approval, reinforcing the accountability of elected officials to their constituents.