Lackawanna County budget vote postponed as officials await electricity cost estimates

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — During Wednesday’s Lackawanna County Commissioners meeting, leaders were expected to vote on next year’s budget. They unanimously decided to table the vote for the budget, that does not increase taxes, due to unknown electricity costs.

This comes as the county continues to move into its first property tax reassessment since 1968.

Under state law, tax revenue after a reassessment must be revenue neutral, meaning the county must collect the same amount it did the year before. Commissioners cannot raise taxes in a reassessment year.

But the budget wasn’t delayed because of taxes.

Instead, commissioners say they need one more piece of information: the actual cost of electricity the county will be paying in 2026.

The county’s long-term energy contracts with Constellation Energy have started to expire, spanning 37 accounts. And the lowest proposal they’ve received so far reflects a 42% increase in electricity costs.

“It would probably deplete that to some extent, but we really wanted to try and quantify it much more closely, so we know what the number is. It’s my recommendation that we defer the approval until we have a number we can plug into the budget,” said David Bulzoni, Chief Financial Officer.

Commissioners say they don’t want to finalize spending until they see the solid estimate.

“It’s been a little crazy here with reassessment and new commissioners in and out and with the energy issue. They’re waiting for our contracts, so we know exactly where we are. Plus, we’re waiting for the savings from our ESCO project, the energy savings project that we’ve done,” said Commissioner Chris Chermak.

Newly sworn-in Commissioner Thom Welby says he also wants more time to dig into the numbers.

“I appreciate a little bit more time to look into the budget and go deeper than I have been able to, and that’s appreciated as well,” said Welby.

Bulzoni also noted the significant increase in electricity proposals doesn’t affect taxpayers directly.

“The lowest cost proposal represents a 42% increase in electricity costs. As was pointed out by the chief of staff, it doesn’t affect the millage, we’re not looking at an increase in millage to cover that cost,” said Bulzoni.

Commissioners say they hope to revisit the budget at their next meeting on December 17th with a clearer idea of the electricity estimate.