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WILKES-BARRE — In response to city council’s opposition to his final budget proposal, outgoing Mayor Tony George took a “what you see is what you get” stance and stuck with it.

George could try again before the end of the year, but Friday would not budge.

“No, the budget is balanced,” George said.

Indeed, revenues equal expenses in the $52.6 million 2020 budget that does not contain a property tax increase. However, the use of $2.5 million in projected construction permit fees to balance it caused concern among some council members. A motion to advance the budget to a vote by council at its meeting Thursday night died for lack of a second.

Tony Brooks was one of two council members who, during the meeting, explained their reasons for not supporting the budget and said it “was based on a house of cards.” Councilwoman Beth Gilbert McBride joined with Brooks and wanted to give Mayor-elect George Brown the opportunity to present his budget.

Brown said he will and was working on putting one together. But he still wanted George to take the time and make the effort of presenting a reworked budget.

The City Charter detailed the budget process in Article IX — Financial Procedures:

• City council can amend the budget. But if the changes readjust it by more than 5%, it’s returned to the mayor for his comments and resubmission to council.

• If council goes through those steps and fails to adopt the budget by the end of the fiscal year on Dec. 31, the last budget submitted by the mayor is adopted.

• In January, following any municipal election at which council members are elected (as was the case this year), the mayor may submit an amended budget for approval by Feb. 15.

As far as George was concerned, he’s complied with his duties spelled out in the Charter and given council a “solid” budget for approval. He dismissed Brooks’ criticism that the budget relies on projected revenues from three building projects that were announced with much fanfare, but might not ever get built.

“Everything’s a projection,” George said, referring to the budget entries.

The Luzerne County Transportation Authority has committed to relocating its operations to the former Murray Complex along South Pennsylvania Avenue. The project, largely funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, was estimated to cost between $22 million and $27 million.

The budget also included fees for two mixed-use projects in the downtown.

Gateway Center Associates bought the former Hotel Sterling site from the city last year for a $32 million project made up of a hotel and conference center, residential units and retail space.

Likewise, Sphere International LLC proposed a similar project, estimated at $28 million, for land it purchased from the city and a private owner at the intersection of South Main and West Market streets.

“I can’t see the LCTA backing out. The Hotel Sterling’s got all their ducks in order,” George said. Sphere International has until next year to get something done or “we’ll take it back” under a reverter clause contained in the sales agreement, he said.

Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George defended his proposed $52.6 million balanced budget for 2020 is ‘solid,’ despite city council’s concerns it included $2.5 million in revenues from construction projects that may not happen.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/web1_TTL101619Budget4.jpg.optimal.jpgWilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George defended his proposed $52.6 million balanced budget for 2020 is ‘solid,’ despite city council’s concerns it included $2.5 million in revenues from construction projects that may not happen.

By Jerry Lynott

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Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.