A Tax Increase Looms in the New Year in Williamsport
By: Brittany Sweeney
Updated: November 7, 2012
Williamsport, Lycoming County-"Anytime a mayor has to increase taxes on senior citizens and working families it's not a positive thing" Said Williamsport Mayor Gabe Campana.
The Mayor of Williamsport presented a $21 million budget plan for 2013 this week to city council members and department heads.
To save money cuts are likely and so is a point-85 mil tax increase.
"I am not going to fill 3 police positions. I am not going to fill 2 streets and parks positions." Said Campana
Mayor Campana says he asked the local unions to help financially but an agreement could not be made.
Meanwhile taxpayers are mixed about the idea of calling on the unions.
"I think to ask teacher and firemen and workers or the community to either give up part of their health care or pay for their own health care is an insult." Said Amy McCracken of Williamsport
"They need to pay a little more of their health care. Everybody else does." said Carmine Sassano of Williamsport.
But the mayor says it's not just the unions who need to chip in.
"Nothing is happening in Harrisburg and many of us mayors are very very frustrated and this is going to happen every single year in cities like Williamsport, Altoona, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre. There is going to be tax increases unless Harrisburg really makes some changes." Added Campana
Many of Williamsport residents hate to see their taxes go up, but feel it is necessary.
"He's gotta get money from some place. Nobody will budge, nobody will help him out or back him up a little bit." Said John Manzitti of Williamsport
