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Non-Essential County Shutdown Anticipated

Non-Essential County Shutdown Anticipated - Thursday, December 6, 2007 at 7:28PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Thursday, Dec 6, 2007 @07:28pm EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Layoffs, work-stoppage and a domino effect of financial distress are predcited for the county, alleged repercussions from a complaint filed with the state by one citizen, one person. Shattering ramifications are expected to hit Luzerne County in the pocketbook, according to leaders.

An attorney with the county says things are looking optimistic following an executive session, where the county privately discussed its legal options in dealing with this complaint.

Hopes are diminishing in keeping all county workers on the job. Number crunchers have to come up with $10 million to satisfy payment of a tax anticipation loan due on December 31.

The complaint, filed by Wilkes-Barre resident Tim Grier, ties the county's hands in borrowing any money until the matter is resolved. Leaders say it leaves hardly any financing to cover the multi-million dollar bill.

Administrators say they're in a financial meltdown.

"I'd say you painted yourselves into a corner," Grier said at a meeting Thursday afternoon. County commissioners' attorney Peter Moses and county manager Sam Guesto agreed to meet with Grier after they saw a report on WBRE News. That report indicated Grier was willing to talk. The meeting produced little more than terse exchange between the two sides.

A non-essential personnel shutdown is expected, unless Grier withdraws his complaint, according to county attorneys. As first reported on WBRE News, the complaint alleges county leaders recklessly spent taxpayer money and did not disclose a "borrow-heavy" budget until after the election. Democratic commissioners maintain majority for another four years.

Attorney Moses says every dollar approved by commissioners was done so appropriately.

But the complaint puts the brakes on the county's ability to pay bills because of the absence of borrowed capital, according to commissioners.

Moses predicts it could take as long as four months to resolve the litigation with the state.

The county believes its case is strong and points to recent litigation in Allentown where a similarly written complaint was filed. It was reportedly dismissed by the state.

But the damage will already be done if that $10 million loan goes unpaid after the last of the year.

A shutdown will ensue, according to leaders.

"We're not going to be able to pay that back. This isn't a witch hunt or scare tactic. It's just the truth. It's like your car payment. You have a certain date to pay it back.
 


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