A judge this afternoon denied the city’s attempt to postpone a commuter tax hearing scheduled for this week.
An attorney for the city today asked the judge to postpone Thursday’s hearing on Scranton’s commuter tax so that Mayor Bill Courtright can attend the funeral service for the state police trooper killed on Friday.
In a letter to Senior Judge John Braxton, attorney Ned Abrahamsen said the mayor and Chief Carl Graziano, both of whom are scheduled to appear at the commuter tax hearing, wish to attend the 10 a.m. service being held at St. Peter’s Cathedral for Cpl. Bryon Dickson. They expect the funeral to last most of the day, which would preclude them from attending the hearing, which is set for 1 p.m. in Lackawanna County Court.
Cpl. Dickson of Dunmore was killed and Trooper Alex Douglass of Scranton was injured after a gunman opened fire as the men changed shifts at the State Police Barracks in Blooming Grove Friday night.
The city last week filed a motion seeking to continue the tax hearing because it might interfere with a pre-planned vacation of city solicitor Jason Shrive. The funeral is further justification for continuing the hearing, Mr. Abrahamsen said.
The judge noted both motions in denying the postponement.
William Jones, attorney for non-residents challenging the tax, filed a reply this afternoon opposing the request.
Mr. Jones noted that, as a compromise, he offered to limit the testimony of his clients to affirming they work in the city and reside in residences outside the city. The remainder of the hearing could then proceed once the mayor and police chief arrived. The suggestions was turned down, however, he said.
Mr. Jones reiterated his prior position that postponing the hearing would cause an undue burden to his clients, most of whom had to schedule time off of work to attend the hearing.