WILKES-BARRE -- If the state doesn't pass a budget by mid-December, it looks likely that Luzerne County may have to lay off workers because money is running out.
Trying to find any administrators to talk about the situation is another story!
You might think that with Luzerne County government being in a money crisis, officials would want to explain the potential situation to their employees. But instead, county officials have not and we waited hours for answers to our questions.
"Matt, there's been no change since yesterday. We're still no change," said Luzerne County finance director Brian Swetz
"So what can employees expect?"
"We're working on options, Matt," Swetz replied.
That's how officials from Luzerne County government responded after Newswatch 16 questioned them about the county's money crisis. The state is months behind passing its budget, and now available money for Luzerne County government is drying up.
In the midst of its money troubles, Luzerne County Manager Robert Lawton has been out of the office for several days on personal business. Still, officials explain Lawton is involved from outside the office.
"He's been in contact with us and he's been involved in discussions as we lay out the options," said Luzerne County solicitor David Pedri.
But now, some members of county council have had enough. they say if Lawton does not resign by the end of the business day Friday, some will vote to fire him next week.
"It's the right time for us to separate. It's no secret Bob's been looking for other positions that are out there," said Luzerne County Council member Rick Morelli.
Morelli was in the minority on Tuesday evening when he voted in favor of borrowing money to avoid potential layoffs of county employees.
Council member Harry Haas voted against borrowing the money to, "send a message to the Governor Tom Wolf."
"Knowing what you know now, do you stand by your decision?"
"A hundred percent I do, and I'll tell you why: because this crisis is a hundred percent orchestrated crisis," Haas replied. "What we have here is a governor who played fast and loose with the people's money, and they haven't paid their bills."
The county solicitor says layoffs in Luzerne County government are possible if the state doesn't have a budget in place by December 15.
It's not clear who or how many people would be laid off, but solicitor David Pedri promises layoffs are the county's last option.
