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A Williamsport councilwoman says the proposed 2024 budget shows one-time revenues of $2.25 million -- mostly from the American Rescue Plan and interest accrued on the federal appropriation.
Councilwoman Liz Miele said it has been wrong for the administration to not include incremental tax hikes over the years. The shortfall is projected to be $800,000, or 1 mill of real estate tax, with the one-time entries through ARPA.
"You do not do that in a 3 million budget deficit," she said. "It is irresponsible and unfair to the taxpayers."
She added she was more comfortable with a tax millage increase of 1 mill as proposed by Mayor Derek Slaughter.
If projections are accurate, the city is in a weaker financial position than when it started in 2023, Miele said.
"There will be an increase in taxes," said Councilman Eric Beiter.
Council President Adam Yoder also encouraged city residents to contact Lycoming County commissioners regarding another countywide property reassessment. He also said they should reach out to their state representatives to ask for meaningful property tax reform as the system used is 50 to 60 years old.
He noted a study by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania recommended reassessments should be done every three to five years. The last one in the county was done 18 years ago, he said.
A second reading of the budget with further expected reductions to the 1 mill real estate tax increase is set for 7 p.m.