[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6428859,"mediaKeyId","5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473","parentId",5867983,"title","Williamsport accepts 2023 audit; auditors give unmodified opinion for primary government","audioSeconds",615,"startMs",1141000,"endMs",1756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473&start=1141&end=1756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473/thumbnail_1141000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6428859/Williamsport/Lycoming-County/Pennsylvania/Williamsport-accepts-2023-audit-auditors-give-unmodified-opinion-for-primary-government","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428859-bb29f220e6f4c2d58af8a61fe4f5d591/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165196&Signature=F8laUT7eZjvKPUlThKlLwtwWFXFZoDifZbBTdj5MHRIe9f2ePcND8x8zjvUg-2H~hhptkL17MSWspG-qX2FLHbQ0JbjupEuGVDTGvDZBtKgma8bKtl40TS8HaqSdc329HxfTrlIGkqxm38iVpVURSTnsY1Tqlkvia8law~eL6TJ~KLBlWj0whH1tKgMoojikZT78sYTOWUiwwSG96GOAc7BWyDbynqleog87R98bzcDy1C3olBlsjQ2XxZIQB7iM0~d7Kl0tSZaO~CCwaeLhkbFCbiHFE4CPHqOymVrQIny1p4PB5PI1UKlkEHGLDwQsA7CCdSSX-cLWW2CydYwSDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Williamsport City, PA","date","2025-10-02T22:57:52Z","article","Williamsport City Council on Oct. 2 unanimously approved a resolution accepting the city’s 2023 audit reports, while staff and auditors outlined the city’s current fiscal position and near-term work to return audits to a timely annual cycle.

Kim Stank of auditing firm Zelenkowski Axelrod told the council the firm could issue an unmodified opinion on the city’s primary government for 2023. “I am pleased to share with you that we're finally able to give the city an unmodified opinion on the primary government,” Stank said. The component unit (the parking authority) remains behind in audits, producing an adverse opinion at the component level.

Auditors reported the entity-wide statement for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023 showed a net deficit in net position of about $104,000,000, driven largely by debt, pension and other postemployment benefits (OPEB) liabilities. Stank said the city posted a positive net change in net position of roughly $21,000,000 for 2023, with the general fund ending the year with about $11.5 million in fund balance and roughly $5.7 million unassigned. The auditors noted a single-audit review for federal programs; ARPA was a major program tested.

Council also advanced related budget actions. On final reading council approved Ordinance Transfer No. 7, moving $21,000 from Young Woods Park Improvement (Act 13) to a flood levy account to pay GPI for flood services. That transfer passed 6-0. Council took first reading on Transfer Ordinance No. 11, an adjustment tied to the 2023 audit; that first reading passed 7-0 and will return for a second reading with detailed audit reconciliations.

Finance staff said the city intends to be back on an annual audit schedule by next year. Auditors and staff told council an RFP is out for the 2024 audit work with bids due early October and that the aim is to be fully caught up in the 2025 audit cycle.

Council approved the audit acceptance resolution 7-0.

Next steps include completion of the 2024 audit work, solicitor review of ordinance language where needed, and continued outreach with component units to move outstanding audits forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Williamsport City Council Meeting - 10/2/25","oneSentenceSummary","Williamsport City Council on Oct. 2 unanimously approved a resolution accepting the 2023 audit reports; auditors reported an unmodified opinion for the city’s primary government and outlined next steps to return to an annual audit schedule.","taxTitle","Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania","taxId",54754,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428860,"Williamsport council advances term-limits ordinance after extended debate",2002,2193000,4195000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473&start=2193&end=4195","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473/thumbnail_2193000.jpg","/articles/6428860/Williamsport/Lycoming-County/Pennsylvania/Williamsport-council-advances-term-limits-ordinance-after-extended-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428860-d6fabae4ff343cd2379f272158f1a9fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165196&Signature=Jm8HkBC8TKx5d3rUGMeLsKXJht-1d3i5JzaNtEbJwn3gL6Eds1bysQgW4kijja7sn8rop2AYxmxrA8rtn8YBLPuLEMDKmRz8B~P0DSxo6UKugh65TFhj54T9eXUfPhkcODL4-JJE2zIWolvq9TpHzUIduYruukeF6F2mN4Mnhm0MblSaC4bvNvVXSOyhtEBpckY9oxyriiudOfEToydLD547kqCbb5Mk1nyuZO1yEzVeE8ztsHcOr~HMPWG5uFBwkXT~MayzAkcHJW0WVRNjR50CVbaGUBlfninbTtE-0rvX5O9oUmaZfaR0bTJ3wO83o3EpvCJr9yQe~xHFAGO5Fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Williamsport City Council on Oct. 2 voted 7-0 on first reading to consider an ordinance that would impose consecutive-term limits on several elected offices, launching a multiweek discussion about specifics and legal language.

Councilman Kevin Mackey introduced the ordinance, saying it would set term limits for the mayor, council, the city treasurer and the city controller. As presented on first reading the proposal would cap council at three consecutive terms, the mayor at two consecutive terms, and both treasurer and controller at two consecutive terms.

Mackey said he backed the measure as a public-good reform. “I genuinely think term limits are important, and that's why I am trying and suggesting that we pass a form of this ordinance between now and 2 weeks from now,” Mackey said. City Solicitor Austin White urged caution on wording that could unintentionally bar incumbents currently in office from running again; White cited a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision involving Bethlehem from 1986 and recommended adding language to preserve limited re-election rights for sitting officials while still imposing future limits.

Council members debated year limits and practical effects. Some members said they favored wider limits for positions that require institutional knowledge; others said fixed turnover would encourage new candidates to run. Suggestions during discussion included longer limits for part-time positions with technical responsibilities and explicit carve-outs for appointments to fill vacancies.

Council agreed to accept the ordinance on first reading and instructed the solicitor’s office to draft refined language before the second reading. The council president said the item will return for further debate and a second reading at the Oct. 16 meeting.

The action so far is a procedural first reading; no final term-limit ordinance is in effect until the council completes the second reading and any amendments.","On Oct. 2 the Williamsport City Council gave first reading to an ordinance that would create consecutive-term limits for mayor, council and certain elected offices; the measure passed first reading 7-0 and will return for a second reading with solicitor-recommended language to address incumbency.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428856,"Council debates City Hall sale and lease-back as heating and consolidation concerns mount",752,4676000,5428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473&start=4676&end=5428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473/thumbnail_4676000.jpg","/articles/6428856/Williamsport/Lycoming-County/Pennsylvania/Council-debates-City-Hall-sale-and-lease-back-as-heating-and-consolidation-concerns-mount","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428856-bc694059d1bf775ffbc02b127ce90c82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165196&Signature=Eovsk-q~w4AeoCtWj06MZ5cB-1Vo789MBN4rSBkEz32Rk0GPDyVILbAJjyADnY5KJNOSDZDwxmS8KZcu-Wx1443A5DbDrDs9HBPZeQNY63qgBcTPQ8ob0xtpsIJ6udeBCIc65Yz9yaSPfd0FzxXMm6R-of9hT~enYkaOw1nl9kmkt7jBcQs-QDoH-XA6ziCfF65CzXMj8kchBQCzQLIp4ebnT~yU~pFMUPtoS6Szo61I1ZyzZGyJTXTH~HKJphELt9wH4FPdW9txZTHGiJamJMKniZ~uUBO2aZNPjh31E5kpPChDevs4slWpbtfZXB0yS9XgGsKzB4apRaUuag9B8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Williamsport City Council spent part of its Oct. 2 meeting discussing options for City Hall amid concern about rising operating costs and the logistical challenge of consolidating city functions.

Councilman Kevin Mackey urged action, saying the city’s financial management study indicates the building should not be retained. “We need to make a decision on City Hall sooner rather than later,” he said, noting that leasing back a portion of a sold building had been raised as a possible path.

Council members and staff discussed two linked issues: finding a consolidated, economical workspace for city functions and addressing obligations tied to the police department’s space needs. Officials said one option is to market the building and include a lease-back provision so the city could remain temporarily while renovations or relocations proceed. Staff reported preliminary outreach to the county and potential leasing options but said the police evidence storage and gym currently located in City Hall impose minimum temperature and space requirements.

Council discussed heating costs and occupancy. A council member cited an approximate $20,000 heating cost for the building this season and estimated the building’s total footprint at about 40,000 square feet; speakers noted police areas and evidence storage require higher temperature settings (about 65 degrees) and occupy a nontrivial portion of the facility. The council president and other members recommended pursuing an updated request for proposals (RFP) to test market interest for sale and lease-back options and to clarify federal constraints for other City-owned properties such as train/transit buildings (the FTA is involved in disposition discussions).

No formal motion or vote was recorded; council members asked staff to continue evaluating sale-and-lease-back options, coordinate with the Federal Transit Administration about train/transit property constraints, and prepare more detailed cost and timing estimates for council review.","Council members discussed options for City Hall, including selling the building and leasing back space, citing high heating costs, evidence storage needs and the police department's space requirements; no formal action was taken.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428858,"Council approves two demolitions, alley naming and cultural grants in routine votes",3878,617000,4495000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473&start=617&end=4495","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5867983-c8db7e188de748b11cde7b84a2b62473/thumbnail_617000.jpg","/articles/6428858/Williamsport/Lycoming-County/Pennsylvania/Council-approves-two-demolitions-alley-naming-and-cultural-grants-in-routine-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428858-2f84ebcf98955af7edaa9b89033af29f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165196&Signature=Q1iXFSQ2IybL3Q02KZQm~AjiCnLNL0rWkY0-MSgVvNa9eZRBGMXpsyovQRqdvbqSqL7-~424ElwYxBM9jGyjP9iYj4Qovytzb~z2QyDK1cR9Yexs7sGwJZAXTOXMoHt09K6guXZj9C33czQlXfp-6JFfLj1wTSPBb0J62azGf5RNBcmkGpKT-4Um106sDtQmJoNtbyR9AgVkcaT2ABeVEFzWS2KzstIhsrvmzjTsKrypuR1Fp40d3xzsnNMpX-r9r3~9ihiVPE5OaszgywPsR~N9slYkKuP001yLi-DruKAJtLbb314BXTG8Bv2hdcekdKkheiBvhJH9WncZx-F3kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Williamsport City Council on Oct. 2 approved multiple routine items including two demolition requests, a first-reading alley-naming ordinance and the annual James David Robinson cultural arts grants.

Council granted a demolition permit for 3537 West Fourth Street, a former veterinary clinic that High Steel plans to demolish and leave as green space; council approved the request by roll call (motion passed 6-0). Gary Nard presented that request and noted the owner does not currently plan redevelopment for the site.

The council also approved demolition at 832 First Street for owner Joe Bauman, who intends to remove the old house and later build a single-family home on the footprint; that motion passed 6-0.

On first reading council approved an ordinance to designate an unnamed alley as Buck Run Alley (identified in county GIS as alley 112). Bill Scott said the name was suggested by a resident and that Lycoming County addressing staff and NENA (National Emergency Number Association) standards guided the choice to avoid duplicate or confusing names in the emergency-services system. First reading passed 6-0.

Council approved the 2025 James David Robinson cultural arts grant program. Finance staff said the usual annual allocation is $3,000 to be divided equally among four organizations — Community Arts Center, Williamsport Symphony Orchestra, Repasz Band, and Bald Eagle Art League — which equates to $750 each. Council approved the grant resolution 7-0. Council also approved certificates of appropriateness for multiple addresses as presented (motion passed 7-0).

Those items passed on voice or roll-call votes and will be recorded in the minutes.","Council approved two demolition permits, advanced an alley-naming ordinance on first reading, and approved the annual James David Robinson cultural arts grants; certificates of appropriateness were also granted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Williamsport accepts 2023 audit; auditors give unmodified opinion for primary government

Williamsport council advances term-limits ordinance after extended debate

Council debates City Hall sale and lease-back as heating and consolidation concerns mount

Council approves two demolitions, alley naming and cultural grants in routine votes