County will seek state approval to continue financial planning project – Scranton Times-Tribune

Lackawanna County commissioners will hold a special meeting Wednesday and approve an application to continue a state-supported financial planning project already well underway.

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The county will seek approval from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for what officials described as the second phase of its participation in Pennsylvania’s Strategic Management Planning Program.

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Facing a systemic budget deficit and other severe financial headwinds, the county secured entry into that program last year and used a $100,000 grant it delivered to defray the cost of a consulting firm officials engaged to help achieve lasting fiscal stability.

That firm, PFM Group Consulting LLC, is preparing to share its final report and recommendations at a yet-unscheduled public meeting likely to take place later this month. The county would use phase II of the STMP program to implement those recommendations, county Chief Financial Officer David Bulzoni and other officials confirmed.

Commissioner Bill Gaughan announced the forthcoming PFM presentation last week and confirmed Monday the purpose of Wednesday’s special session. What amount of additional state funding might be awarded if the county’s application is successful, and the county’s potential cost share, remains to be seen.

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The county’s goal is to retain PFM during the implementation phase, given their familiarity with county finances and operations, officials said. It’s also PFM’s recommendations the county would be implementing.

The county entered 2025 in much better financial condition than it did 2024, thanks in part to a nearly 33% property tax hike Gaughan and fellow Democratic Commissioner Matt McGloin approved late last year over Republican Minority Commissioner Chris Chermak’s objections.

While not a panacea, the tax hike should help the county eliminate a massive structural budget deficit that was otherwise projected to reach about $29 million this year. It complements other corrective actions commissioners took last year, including a hiring freeze and the imposition of purchasing restrictions.

Wednesday’s special meeting will begin at 10 a.m. in the fifth-floor conference room of the county government center, 123 Wyoming Ave., Scranton.