David Bulzoni

One year after a 33% property tax hike that they vehmently disagreed about, Lackawanna County commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak joined in introducing a 2026 budget that doesn't require higher taxes.

County chief financial officer David Bulzoni said the borrowing will raise annual debate payments by about $1.1 million, but won't require another tax hike next year. The county raised property taxes 33% this year.

County taxpayers face a property tax increase of at least 1.75 mills next year just to pay for new borrowing.

County officials don't know how much taxes will rise, but the county plans measures to trim an estimated $11.3 million year-end deficit and will borrow to cover at least part of that.