SCRANTON, Pa. — Scranton city officials have put out the proposed 2024 budget which includes a 3.5% property tax increase. Mayor Paige Cognetti says The overall value of property in the city has dropped, meaning the city is taking in less money from property taxes. So starting next year, those property owners stand to pay more in order to help make up the difference.
"Look at it for senior citizens. I'm like 72 years old. Where am I going to get the money from on a fixed income? This is not good," said Scranton resident Gerry Dombroski.
Mayor Cognetti says it's a hard decision to raise taxes, but it's a necessary evil. The City also had to factor in additional costs.
"We have nearly $5 million in costs for 2024 that have gone up through our pension obligations through salary increases through our Act 111 processes with prior and through a loss of assessed value. That's something that we've been dealing with through the years," said Mayor Cognetti.
That five million covers pensions the city is obligated to fund, along with raising pay for city police and firefighters.
City officials say a three and half percent increase in property taxes works out to about $36 dollars for the average property owner.
"We'd rather do $36 or so this year as opposed to five years from now hiking it $200 or $300. We'd rather be measured and incremental with these tax increases," said Cognetti.
The cost of living has significantly increased for many households... and for some that extra
"That adds up quick. A lot of people can't afford it. The prices keep going up on everything," said Scranton resident Anthony Sostak.
"It's not just pension obligations. It's the cost of tires, the cost of fuel those things go up for us. We think it's a good budget. We're proud of it and we'll be excited to talk with council and work with them over the next few weeks to get it passed," said Cognetti.
Mayor Cognetti and Scranton City council members will hold two more public meetings on November 14th and 16th at 5:30pm at City Hall.