In a recent government meeting, officials announced a proposed property tax increase of over 32% for Lackawanna County, marking the largest general fund increase since 2012. This increase is expected to raise the county tax bill for the median assessed residential property, valued at $11,000, from $744.37 to $989.78, an increase of $245.41, or approximately $20.43 per month.

The county is facing a significant budget deficit exceeding $28 million, a reduction from an earlier projection of over $35 million. Officials emphasized that this budget proposal does not rely on temporary fixes or one-time revenue sources, aiming for transparency in addressing the county's financial challenges.

A key factor driving the tax increase is the disparity between revenue growth and rising expenditures. Since 2012, general fund real estate tax revenue has increased by 27%, while county expenditures have surged by 79%. This imbalance has led to a systemic deficit that previous administrations failed to address adequately, often prioritizing political considerations over sound financial management.

The meeting highlighted the consequences of past budgeting decisions, including the depletion of county reserves and inadequate pension funding, which contributed to a downgrade in the county's credit rating by Standard and Poor's. Officials expressed a commitment to correcting these issues and establishing a more sustainable financial path for the future of Lackawanna County.