Lackawanna County unveils strategic financial plan to prevent tax increases

The Lackawanna County government meeting held on March 7, 2025, focused on the conclusion of the first phase of a financial management plan presented by PFM, a consulting firm. The meeting highlighted the county's commitment to addressing its fiscal challenges and implementing strategic recommendations to ensure long-term financial stability.

The session began with a summary of the completed phase, which included a comprehensive report detailing the county's financial condition. The report outlined several weaknesses that need to be addressed, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to avoid drastic tax increases in the future. The county had recently faced a 33% tax increase, attributed to previous administrations' lack of long-term financial planning.

Key components of the financial plan were discussed, including a financial condition assessment, management recommendations for budgeting and oversight, workforce recommendations to optimize staffing and costs, and criminal justice recommendations aimed at improving efficiency in public safety operations. The report contained 47 recommendations, with 20 already in progress, demonstrating the county's proactive approach to financial management.

Commissioner Chermack expressed appreciation for the work done by PFM and acknowledged the need for ongoing collaboration to implement the recommendations effectively. The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency, as officials pledged to provide periodic updates to the public regarding the progress of the financial plan.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's dedication to fiscal responsibility and strategic planning, aiming to build a more stable financial future for the residents of Lackawanna County.