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Wilkes-Barre council advances 2026 budget with $50 storm-sewer fee increase after public debate
Summary
After public comments about recurring sewer backups and affordability concerns, Wilkes-Barre City Council approved its 2026 budget package and moved three ordinances forward on first reading, including a $50 increase to the storm/sewer maintenance fee and options to permit installment billing.
Wilkes-Barre City Council on Nov. 20 advanced the mayor—s proposed 2026 general fund budget and moved three ordinances forward on first reading, including a $50 increase to the city—s storm/sewer maintenance fee that prompted extended public comment.
At the public-hearing portion of the meeting, resident Beth Anne Petavich said she lives on Gardner Street and asked the council to reconsider plans that would double the sewer fee. "I'm here to speak up about the doubling of the sewer tax," Petavich said, recounting repeated backups that left her car "a total disaster" and raised her insurance rates. She asked the city to add at least two additional catch basins where runoff concentrates.
City staff told…
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