SCRANTON, Pa. — Property owners in Scranton will save a few bucks in the new year. Mayor Paige Cognetti announced Friday that there is no tax increase in the city's proposed 2025 budget.
"All around. Good news for the budget here in the City of Scranton. Good news for taxpayers, no tax increase by continued investment," said Mayor Paige Cognetti.
The mayor cites financial stability, proper money management across all city departments, and not having to borrow any money for the tax-saving decision.
"We've been able to really manage our pensions very well, and so we've got a little bit of breathing room. I'm on some of those line items that's been helpful. We've been very aggressive since day one on managing our healthcare costs."
Outside of the tax break, Mayor Cognetti says the city will prioritize safety in the new year by hiring five new police officers and making safety upgrades to roadways and neighborhoods.
Taxpayers Newswatch 16 spoke to are thrilled with the proposal.
"The city's on her upward climb, which is good, and if they don't have to raise taxes to keep a claiming, I'm all for it," said Michael LaPalla of Scranton.
Michael LaPalla understands the role tax increases play in helping a city like Scranton grow, but he says a break this year will only help residents.
"It's inevitable. You have to live with it, you know; only thing sure in life is death and taxes, so it's a necessity, but I don't think excessive taxation is what we need in the city.
"Everything that's going on these days with the business and the cost of food and all that other stuff, it's gonna be a big help for us," said Renato Luongo, owner of Abe's Deli.
At Abe's Deli on North Washington Avenue, owner Renato Luongo says the tax break is another sign that the city is growing.
"I'm working downtown now for 30 years, and you can see a huge difference on what's going on with the amount of people that's downtown, the way that the city is running, and really happy with the way things are going," added Luongo.
Scranton City Council still needs to approve the budget. That vote is set for December.