ALLENTOWN., Pa. – Allentown City Council unexpectantly canceled its two budget meetings scheduled for Wednesday night.
Council had scheduled a special council meeting at 6 to discuss proposed budget amendments and that was to be followed with a voting meeting at 6:30 to adopt the 2026 spending plan.
An announcement of the cancellation of the council meetings was posted on the city’s website.
The meetings have been rescheduled for Tuesday, December 16 at 6 and 6:30 p.m.
One of the heated topics which needs to be addressed is whether council will consider reinstating the mayor’s 3.96% tax increase in return for the city reducing the residential solid waste fee by $25.
Council voted to remove the tax increase two weeks ago.
If approved by council, the general fund would lend funds to the solid waste fund, which would be paid back over time.
The city administration contends that the new proposal will not disproportionately impact fixed-income property owners, because with the trash fee lowered, the tax increase has little to no effect on lower-valued homes.
The city claims the alternate proposal from the administration will create a more equitable option for the community while maintaining essential tax revenue to pay for city services.
The alternate proposal from the administration was discussed at by council last week which brought about mixed reactions.