Tax hike seen likely in Lackawanna County for 2025

With a sizable cash shortfall and worsening structural deficit, Lackawanna County will "very likely" have to hike property taxes next year according to County Commissioner Bill Gaughan. A financial consultant hired by the county said absent corrective action projections show the county would end the year with an $11.3 million cash deficit, not be able to meet 2024 obligations this year and carry no cash into 2025. The consultant put forward several recommendations today to help avoid that outcome.