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With No State Budget, Government Shutdown Possible in Luzerne County

WILKES-BARRE — The budget stalemate in Harrisburg could have major consequences in Luzerne County. Leaders from Luzerne County spent the day Wednesday deb...

WILKES-BARRE -- The budget stalemate in Harrisburg could have major consequences in Luzerne County.

Leaders from Luzerne County spent the day Wednesday debating the possibility of massive layoffs and even a possible shutdown. It's all because money is running low.

The lights may be going up around the Christmas tree inside the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre, but it could soon be lights out if state lawmakers in Harrisburg don't come up with a budget.

"For the state to pull this stunt for five months and really not do their job is to really hang us out to dry," council member Harry Haas said.

If a state budget isn't passed soon, one county agency estimated there's only enough money left to keep operating for about two more weeks.

Newswatch 16 found Luzerne County department heads going in and out of the county manager's office all day. They're trying to come up with ways to avoid massive layoffs and a shutdown of county agencies.

"It could cause a lot of people that are waiting for these services a lot of problems and hardships, especially during the colder months!" said Jodie Miller of Jenkins Township.

"Everybody is somewhat dependent on the government--for the roads, the schools, our defense," said Bernard Feist of Pittston.

The threat of the Luzerne County shutdown follows an emergency meeting at the courthouse Tuesday night. That's when council voted to reject borrowing $20 million that would have funded the county business for a little while longer.

"My vote last night sends the message to Governor Wolf in Harrisburg that this is his responsibility and his doing a hundred percent," Haas said.

But not everyone agrees. County councilman Rick Williams was in the minority when he voted in favor of borrowing money.

"Seems to me to be a shoot yourself in the foot to show your displeasure," he said.

We tried to contact county manager Robert Lawton, but he wasn't in his office. We also haven't been able to talk to the County finance director and the county solicitor was out for the day.

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