Council approves storm-related budget transfer, adopts flood plans and requires emergency post‑event reports

The Scranton City Council approved several procedural and financial items in its April 1 meeting tied to emergency response and flood protection.

By roll-call vote the council adopted an amendment to the 2026 operating budget (filed to council number 9‑20‑26) transferring $324,880 from a Business Administration workers' compensation account to fund unforeseen professional services related to the January 25, 2026 winter storm. The committee chair on finance recommended final passage and the chair declared the item "legally and lawfully adopted." Council members recorded unanimous "Yes" votes on the roll call.

The council also adopted Resolution 39‑2026 to adopt emergency-action plan manuals for South Side, Plat, Green Ridge and Albright Avenue flood-protection projects. The chair of the public-safety committee recommended final passage and members recorded unanimous support by roll call.

Separately, a motion carried to require a formal post-emergency action plan or synopsis whenever an emergency is declared. The motion — described by the mover as intended to improve transparency after costly emergency responses — directs the solicitor to produce recommended language so the council will receive timely reporting after future emergency declarations (example items: total overtime paid, hours worked, costs, impacts and recommended next steps). Members said the city must provide residents a clear accounting of what happened and what will change.

Council also noted a prior discussion that the snow-removal effort had cost roughly $330,000 in overtime and service costs; members asked for a tighter post-event accounting to ensure ARPA or other funds are allocated appropriately. Finally, two zoning ordinance amendments related to data centers were tabled until a future public hearing.

The meeting closed after the council addressed follow-up items and adjourned.