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Pocono News Section
Wilkes-Barre Budget Draws Ire, Council Fires Back
Wilkes-Barre Budget Draws Ire, Council Fires Back - Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 11:40PM EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- City leaders voiced frustration in passing the 2009 budget. Four city council members voted for the spending plan. One dissented. Tax and fee increases are on the table.
Taxpayers will pay more. City workers will get a three percent wage increase. Taxpayers will also bankroll a million-dollar arbitration ruling for the firefighters' union. The city is appealing that award in court. "None of us are happy with the budget, but at this time, I'm not playing a political game," Council chairwoman Kathy Kane said.
Freshman Councilman Mike Merritt voted against the budget. It's going to be a lot to a lot of people. And it's going to be hard," Merritt said. I always supported Mayor Leighton and I still do, but I think this is too aggressive to put on the taxpayer." Merritt's no-vote was labeled a political game. "Those who know me, know I would never do anything like that," Merritt said.
City resident Bob Kadluboski, who was openly criticizing the budget and city finances, was temporarily kicked out of the meeting. An outburst by Kane is provoking criticism of its own. "Quite honestly I don't think it's a good attitude to have," Walter Griffith, a Wilkes-Barre homeowner said. "We are paying their salary and they are working for us. They should be very receptive to the people who come to the meetings."
Mayor Tom Leighton defends the three percent raises for city workers, saying most are tied up in contracts. He's hopeful the million dollar arbitration award to the firefighter's union is overturned, freeing up that cash. "Everyone's talking about a 31 percent increase. Leighton said. "In reality, if we're successful with the firefighter's arbitration award, it's a 13 percent increase." Reporter Joe Holden asked "What is the likelihood of that being successful?" Leighton responded "You don't ever want to speculate on what a judge's decision, but we feel very confident." | |
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