Lackawanna County faces budget crisis and tax hike fears

Residents of Lackawanna County expressed deep concerns over the region's deteriorating conditions during a recent government meeting, highlighting issues such as rising taxes and budget mismanagement. One local resident described Scranton as resembling a \"ghost town\" and criticized the county's transformation into a \"garbage dump.\" The speaker urged county officials to explore budget cuts rather than imposing a proposed 33% tax increase, which they believed would burden taxpayers further.

The meeting also featured a proclamation declaring November 6, 2024, as Age Friendly Communities Day in Lackawanna County. This initiative aims to support the growing population of older residents, which currently stands at over 59,000, or 27.4% of the county's population. Sarah McDonald, director of the Area Agency on Aging, announced plans to apply for membership in the AARP network of age-friendly states and communities, emphasizing the commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all ages.

Jesse Pierce, executive director of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging, echoed the importance of collaboration among various agencies to address the needs of older Pennsylvanians. He commended the county commissioners for their proactive approach in fostering age-friendly policies.

The meeting concluded with the first reading of an ordinance to fix the tax rate and enact the budget for 2025, signaling ongoing discussions about fiscal responsibility and community welfare in Lackawanna County.