Council Meeting Erupts Over Op‑Ed Suggesting Tax Increases; Members and Residents React

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 council not to raise taxes on elderly and fixed‑income households and asked the council to pursue alternatives, including more aggressive pursuit of federal and state grants.

Council members emphasized differing views. Councilman Brian Thornton reminded attendees that the council recently approved a 0 percent county tax increase for the upcoming year and that any future tax change would depend on the administration's budget proposal later in the year. Several council members said the op‑ed represented only one voice among 11 elected members and did not reflect a council decision.

Council and staff replied to other public concerns tied to the op‑ed. Manager Ramona Crocamo said the administration has engaged state and federal officials for funding on road and bridge projects and other needs; she also asserted that recent personnel and compensation changes had been handled transparently. Council members invited residents to review the county budget online and to raise specific suggestions for expenditure cuts or revenue options.

Why it matters: Luzerne County residents repeatedly told council that even small tax increases can be highly consequential for seniors and households on fixed incomes. Council members said the county will continue seeking outside dollars and review budget options before any budget-driven tax decisions occur.

Residents pressed two main alternatives during public comment: stronger pursuit of federal and state grants and more aggressive disposal of county property held in repository to return parcels to the tax rolls. Council and the administration pointed to ongoing outreach to federal and state lawmakers and to work already under way to sell unused county parcels.

Statements and exchanges in public comment

- "I think the article was pretty clear," Councilman Jamie Sabatino said, describing the op-ed as a conversation starter about pay competitiveness for county employees. - "We have to get our state reps... bring that money back from Harrisburg," Councilman Greg Griffin said, urging more legislative outreach rather than a local tax increase. - Resident Vivian Kreidler LaCena said many older residents are on fixed incomes and urged the council to consider returning homestead relief or other targeted tax relief.

Looking ahead: Council members repeated that any decision on a county tax rate depends on the managers budget submission, which traditionally arrives later in the year. Several members suggested budget conversations and grant pursuit would continue through the spring and summer.