Boroughs prepare for city's next move
OLYPHANT - Though legal opposition to Scranton's proposed commuter tax was successful, officials from the Lackawanna County Association of Boroughs are already preparing for the next challenge.
The group met Thursday to discuss their successes and the need to continue working together to oppose Scranton's future efforts, which association President Eugene Prusinski believes are certain.
Last month, judges rejected Scranton's petition for a 1 percent wage tax on the nearly 23,000 nonresidents who work in the city but live elsewhere.
Mayfield Mayor Al Chelik addressed the group at the Regal Room in Olyphant, lauding attorneys Armand E. Olivetti Jr. and Patrick Rogan, as well as Larissa Pawelski and other municipal officials for their roles in the fight.
"Today, we're recognizing the people who were very helpful in our recent success," Mr. Chelik said.
He was pleased with the money that the effort would ultimately save commuters.
"We had the city of Scranton surrounded," he joked, noting the location of all the communities represented.
Mr. Chelik and Mr. Prusinski both agreed that the association, as well as Scranton Taxing Our People, the group formed to oppose the tax, needed to prepare for Scranton's next commuter tax.
"We're going to continue to raise money and follow what they are going to do," Mr. Prusinski said of Scranton officials. "We're just waiting for their next move."
In a recently released audit of Scranton's finances, the document indicated the city would seek a commuter tax next year.
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter