Lackawanna County seeks state funding to implement a financial recovery plan after facing significant fiscal challenges
Recently, the county commissioners moved forward with an application for the second phase of Pennsylvania’s Strategic Management Planning Program. They had already joined this program last year, which helped them pay for a consulting firm to create a long-term financial report.
The first report from the consulting group, PFM, is expected soon, and there will be a public meeting to discuss it. The county wants to use potential grant money from the second phase to keep PFM on board as they start to put the recommendations into action. They’re also asking the state to lower the matching funds they need to provide.
County CFO David Bulzoni emphasized that the report’s recommendations need to be evaluated and implemented for it to be useful. This is part of a series of steps taken to improve the county’s financial situation since the new commissioners took office last year. They inherited a tough situation, with a huge budget deficit and over $18 million in unpaid bills.
Despite the challenges, they’ve made some tough choices, like raising property taxes by nearly 33% for 2025, which has upset many residents. However, this hike is necessary to tackle a projected $29 million deficit.
Last year, they also made other changes, like closing the health department and cutting vacant positions to improve finances. Now, they’re focused on the next steps to ensure the county’s financial stability for the future. As Commissioner Gaughan said, having a plan is crucial for achieving their goals.
