A $26.7 million spending plan was approved by the Lackawanna City Council by a 3-1 vote.
The budget represents a $795,000 decrease from the previous fiscal year and marks the first budget that will unify the city’s tax rate, combining the homestead and non-homestead tax structure in effect since the closing of Bethlehem Steel almost 40 years ago, said Mayor Annette Iafallo.
Lackawanna residents and businesses will now pay a property tax rate of $17.15 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, a decrease from the previous rates of $18.58 for homestead and $42.10 for non-homestead.
“Restoring Lackawanna’s image as a community ‘open for business’ is our main priority,” said Iafallo. “This change will help Lackawanna finally move forward.”
The budget becomes effective Aug. 1. It includes $9.7 million for public safety, $3 million for public works and nearly $500,000 for parks and recreation services.
Published by The Buffalo News
