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Council Meeting Erupts Over Op‑Ed Suggesting Tax Increases; Members and Residents React
Summary
A council memberop-ed proposing a temporary property tax increase drew sustained public comment and pushback during Luzerne County Councils Jan. 7 meeting, with the author saying the piece was meant to "start a conversation" and other council members and residents urging alternatives and protections for seniors.
A council memberop-ed proposing a temporary property tax increase prompted extended public comment and debate at the Luzerne County Council meeting on Jan. 7.
The op-ed, signed only by Councilman Jamie Sabatino, proposed a phased approach to raise county property taxes to support higher pay for county employees. "I think the article was pretty clear," Sabatino told the meeting, saying the idea was to "start a conversation" about a modest, temporary increase to make county wages competitive.
The proposal drew immediate reaction from residents and fellow council members during the meetings public comment period. Resident Jimmy D'Arto asked Sabatino to clarify a report that he supported a 3 percent increase, calling higher property taxes on fixed‑income residents "oppression." Resident Elizabeth Hartman and Vivian Kreidler LaCena urged the…
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