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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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The East Stroudsburg Area School District faces a staggering $34 million budget shortfall, prompting urgent calls for cuts and tough decisions ahead.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaBudget #CommunityAccountability #EducationFunding #FiscalResponsibility
East Stroudsburg Area SD hears early budget showing large shortfall; board urged to trim $10M at minimum
At a budget work session, district staff presented an early draft showing general fund expenditures of $227.1 million versus estimated revenues of $192.7 million and flagged a potential multi‑million dollar deficit. Board members discussed reserve use, an early retirement incentive and options including a 5% tax index increase.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:03 PM
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The proposed master plan for the former Northwell State Hospital site is set to transform the area with 681 residential units, vibrant retail spaces, and a cutting-edge stormwater management strategy.

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#NorristownMontgomeryCounty #PA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal
Large Northwell master plan recommended to council after stormwater and phasing review
Project team presented a revised master plan for the former State Hospital site showing 681 residential units (down from 724), retail and industrial/flex space, phased construction, and a stormwater strategy using basins and early discharge; the commission recommended forwarding the plan to council for a conditional‑use hearing.
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February 14, 2026 at 1:44 PM
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Blair County just secured a monumental $26.3 million workforce grant that promises to transform job services across six counties!

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#BlairCounty #PA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #CommunitySafety #BlairCountyWorkforce
Blair County commissioners accept $26.3M regional workforce grant, approve mosquito-control and routine contracts
At their Feb. 12 meeting the Blair County Board of Commissioners approved acceptance of a $26.3 million Southern Alleghenies workforce grant for six counties, a $97,906 mosquito-control grant that includes a vehicle purchase, and a series of routine service contracts and office expenditures.
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February 14, 2026 at 1:26 PM
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New Freedom Borough Council is taking decisive action to replace failing wastewater treatment equipment, avoiding costly delays and ensuring a timely installation.

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#NewFreedomYorkCounty #PA #InfrastructureImprovement #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #NewFreedomWastewater
New Freedom council approves treatment-plant equipment purchase and contract change order to avoid additional mobilization costs
Council approved purchasing replacement parts for a failing decanter system and a contract change order for PSI to perform installation while the contractor is on-site, citing long lead times and cost risks if the work is deferred.
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February 14, 2026 at 7:39 AM
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Cheltenham's preliminary budget for 2026-27 reveals a staggering $5.8 million gap, raising urgent questions about funding strategies and future tax implications.

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#PA #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding
Cheltenham finance committee flags $5.8M preliminary budget gap for 2026–27; options include fund balance, cuts or limited tax increase
Administration presented a preliminary 2026–27 budget projecting a $5.8 million gap driven by a 22% health-insurance spike and lower real-estate assessment revenue; the committee discussed using fund balance, expenditure reductions and constrained tax capacity under Act 1.
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February 14, 2026 at 7:14 AM
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Northampton Community College is on the rise, with a proposed $85.5 million budget and a remarkable 20,000 students served annually, but they need Easton Area School District's support to close a gap!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EnrollmentGrowth #CommunitySupport #PennsylvaniaEducation
Northampton Community College asks Easton Area SD for $1.684 million as enrollment and budget rise
Northampton Community College presented a proposed $85.5 million 2026–27 operating budget and asked Easton Area School District for $1,684,000 in combined operating and capital support, a $92,000 increase from the prior year, while reporting multi-year enrollment gains and a small remaining budget gap.
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February 14, 2026 at 4:56 AM
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The East Stroudsburg Area School District is set to revolutionize education with a bold 2026–2029 comprehensive plan focused on enhancing math instruction and prioritizing social-emotional learning.

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#PA #InstructionalImprovement #MathEducation #CitizenPortal
Curriculum committee forwards East Stroudsburg 2026–2029 comprehensive plan to full board
After presentations and discussion of instructional priorities, the curriculum and instruction committee voted to forward the proposed 2026–2029 comprehensive plan — which emphasizes math teacher development (OGAP) and social-emotional learning — to the full East Stroudsburg Area School District board for approval and state submission.
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February 14, 2026 at 4:55 AM
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West Chester's Finance & Revenue Committee just announced a staggering cash surplus of over $2.2 million for 2025 while implementing new procurement rules to enhance financial security!

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#WestChesterChesterCounty #PA #LocalBusinessSupport #CitizenPortal #ProcurementReform
Finance committee reports preliminary $2.25 million cash surplus, raises purchasing thresholds
Finance Director Barb Leonte told the Finance & Revenue Committee the borough ended 2025 with a preliminary cash‑basis surplus of $2,245,626.26, noted the figures exclude accruals, and outlined changes to purchasing rules, reinstatement of P‑cards and a new revolving loan fund for building renovations.
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February 14, 2026 at 4:52 AM
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Greene County commissioners approved key agenda items, including the right-of-way plan for Bridge 103 and a vital CDBG application for Cumberland Township, during their recent meeting.

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#GreeneCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #GreeneCountyHousing #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment
Greene County commissioners place multiple agenda items, including Bridge 103 right-of-way and CDBG application, and adjourn
At the Feb. 4, 2026 Greene County commissioners' agenda meeting, members approved placing a right-of-way plan for Bridge 103, appointments to the housing authority, MATP funding adjustments, a Merakey jail-treatment agreement, LinkAge GPO authorizations, and a CDBG application for Cumberland Township; the meeting adjourned without public comment.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:15 AM
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Cheltenham School District's latest audit reveals a clean bill of financial health, with a surprising $1.5 million boost to the general fund balance—what does this mean for the future?

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#PA #BudgetPlanning #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding
Cheltenham finance committee hears 2023–24 audit; auditor reports clean opinion and outlines fund-balance assignments
The district's independent auditor told the finance committee the 2023–24 financial statements received an unmodified (clean) opinion, the district recorded a $1.5 million net increase to general fund balance and staff recommended assigning one-time revenues to capital rather than relying on them for operations.
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February 14, 2026 at 3:59 AM
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Susquehanna County just approved a $5 vehicle registration fee to fund crucial bridge repairs, but how will this impact local drivers and infrastructure?

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#SusquehannaCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #TransportationSafety #InfrastructureFunding #LocalGovernment
Susquehanna County approves $5 local vehicle-registration fee to help fund bridge repairs
The Susquehanna County Commissioners approved Ordinance 2026-02 to add a $5 local fee to nonexempt vehicle registrations, aiming to raise local matching funds for multimodal bridge grants; commissioners and a public commenter discussed revenue uncertainty and bridge replacement costs.
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February 14, 2026 at 3:52 AM
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Philadelphia City Council is at a crossroads as they consider a temporary moratorium on puppy breeding amid urgent calls from veterinarians and rescue advocates to tackle overcrowding at local shelters.

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#PhiladelphiaCity #PA #CitizenPortal #PhiladelphiaAnimals #CommunityInput
Public testimony divides council as Philadelphia amends and advances temporary puppy-breeding moratorium
After hours of public testimony from veterinarians, rescue volunteers and breeders, Philadelphia City Council adopted an amendment to Bill 250989 — a temporary moratorium on breeding and transfers of puppies — and placed the amended measure on the final-passage calendar.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 3:30 AM
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Unlock the secrets to making college affordable as PHEAA's Michelle Wirk shares essential tips on navigating the FAFSA and maximizing financial aid opportunities!

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#PA #FinancialAid #CitizenPortal #StudentSupport #CollegeReadiness #PennsylvaniaEducation
PHEAA podcast urges students to file FAFSA early, explains key deadlines and resources
On the PHEAA Higher Education Access Corner, access partner Michelle Wirk urged families to complete the FAFSA, start college and career planning early, watch priority deadlines and use tools such as EdPlanner and My Smart Borrowing to compare costs and earnings potential.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 2:57 AM
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East Penn School District's ambitious K–8 realignment and redistricting plans have been deemed unaffordable, prompting a search for a more budget-friendly alternative.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationFunding #CommunityPlanning
East Penn officials say full K–8 realignment and redistricting look unaffordable; district to pursue smaller option and refine 2026–27 budget
After presentations from architects and financial advisers, the East Penn School Board was told the proposed $119M realignment and $141M redistricting scenarios appear unaffordable under current assumptions; advisers suggested a $75M alternative while administrators identified an early $2.1M structural gap in the 2026–27 draft budget.
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February 14, 2026 at 2:21 AM
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Bridgeport's police chief reveals groundbreaking DNA retrieval initiatives and high crime closure rates while advocating for better communication on federal immigration operations.

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#BridgeportMontgomeryCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #BridgeportPolice #CitizenPortal
Bridgeport police brief council on DNA program, overdose kits and concerns over recent federal immigration operation
The police chief told council the department is implementing county DNA retrieval procedures, distributing overdose response kits, reporting high closure rates (70% in 2025, 85% in Jan. 2026), and raised concerns about federal enforcement activity in town, saying Bridgeport does not participate in the 287(g) program and urging more advance communication from federal agencies.
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February 14, 2026 at 1:36 AM
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The New Freedom Borough Council faced a heated debate over capping their police budget at $875,000, raising crucial questions about public safety and department efficiency.

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#NewFreedomYorkCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEfficiency #BudgetAccountability #PublicSafety
New Freedom council debates capping Southern Regional Police contribution; motion fails
New Freedom Borough Council considered a motion to cap its 2027 contribution to the Southern Regional Police Department at $875,000, mirroring neighboring Shrewsbury’s action, but the council voted against taking that step after extended debate over overtime, staffing and bargaining dynamics.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 1:16 AM
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East Stroudsburg Area School District is eyeing a $15 million energy upgrade that could transform buildings and boost savings through innovative financing strategies!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EnergyEfficiency #InfrastructureGrant #SustainableInvestment
Trane outlines $15 million energy retrofit for East Stroudsburg Area SD; committee agrees to take recommendation to board
Trane presented a district-wide energy performance contract that uses energy savings, rebates and grants to fund upgrades. Staff and trustees discussed solar timing tied to tax credits and DCED grant deadlines; committee voted to forward the recommendation to the full board.
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February 13, 2026 at 11:22 PM
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Chester's CFO reveals that half of the city's $30 million ARPA funding is already spent, with exciting projects like a new Public Works building on the horizon!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #ChesterPublicWorks #InfrastructureDevelopment
Chester CFO: Half of $30 million ARPA package spent; remaining projects tracked toward 2026 deadline
CFO Richard Troutman told the City of Chester Budget & Finance Committee that $15 million of the city’s $30 million ARPA allocation has been closed out across 24 of 35 projects; 11 projects remain open, including the Public Works building and a ladder truck expected later this year. Officials said ARPA reporting and public documentation will be improved.
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February 13, 2026 at 5:28 PM
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DelCorps has unveiled a groundbreaking $300 million plan to drastically cut sewer overflows in Chester, promising to transform the city's water management system with innovative underground storage solutions.

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement
DelCorps outlines $300 million plan to cut combined sewer overflows in Chester
DelCorps presented a long-term control plan to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in Chester by focusing on the Ridley and Chester creeks, using sewer separation, deep linear storage tunnels and repairs; the authority said the $300 million program would be shared across all DelCorps customers and aims to cut overflow frequency to about six events per year at treated locations.
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February 13, 2026 at 4:59 PM
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The Williamsport City Council made significant strides in their latest meeting, unanimously passing key ordinances and resolutions that will reshape the community's future.

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#WilliamsportLycomingCounty #PA #WilliamsportCityCouncil #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal
Votes at a glance: council approves committee restructuring, transfers, grants, contracts and other routine items
At the Feb. 5 meeting the Williamsport City Council approved several ordinances and resolutions — including committee-of-the-whole creation, a 2024 transfer ordinance, STAMP phase funding resolution, consent-decree exhibit B, UHY addendum, RVTA local match certification, land development and demolition — each recorded as passing 5-0.
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February 13, 2026 at 2:42 AM
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Carbon County is gearing up for exciting economic initiatives, from small business incubators to new trail projects and innovative housing solutions!

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#CarbonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #SmallBusinessSupport #CarbonCountyEconomicDevelopment
Carbon County economic-development specialist outlines grants, trail and housing plans
Chamber economic development specialist Jared So to briefed commissioners on municipal outreach, KIZ parcel identification, a Panther Valley business incubator pilot with $1,000 seed grants, trail feasibility work, and reallocation options for a $1 million RACP award including the Schwab Building for housing.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 2:15 AM
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Chester County poll workers are demanding fair compensation after working grueling 12-hour shifts during extended voting hours, sparking a heated debate over accountability and taxpayer costs.

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#ChesterCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #ElectionReform
Chester County Board approves retroactive pay for poll workers after court‑ordered extended voting hours
The Chester County Board of Elections unanimously approved resolution BOE 0126 to authorize pay for election officers for court‑ordered extended polling hours; poll workers and judges of elections urged higher compensation, and callers asked for a county cost estimate and accountability for the poll‑book error.
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February 13, 2026 at 1:40 AM
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West Chester's wastewater department battles freeze damage and secures a $500,000 grant for vital infrastructure improvements!

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#WestChesterChesterCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalResilience #InfrastructureDevelopment #WestChesterWastewater
Wastewater director reports freeze damage, SSO cleanup and $500,000 Maple Alley grant
Wastewater staff described freeze‑related equipment damage and a sanitary‑sewer overflow that was reported to DEP and cleared; the borough also received a $500,000 grant for phase 2 of the Maple Alley project and outlined capital project timelines.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 1:21 AM
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The Boyertown Area School District is launching an ambitious three-year plan aimed at boosting grades 3–8 proficiency to 65% while addressing the needs of students with IEPs and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EquityInEducation
Boyertown Area School District presents three‑year comprehensive plan, sets 65% proficiency target for grades 3–8
District staff outlined a three‑year comprehensive plan due to the state by March 31 emphasizing curriculum review, structured literacy and MTSS, and set a target to increase grades 3–8 proficiency to 65% by year three while noting subgroup stagnation among students with IEPs and economically disadvantaged students.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 1:19 AM
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Chester County's bridge program faces challenges with 23 bridges rated poor and three currently closed, but exciting projects are on the horizon for 2026!

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#ChesterCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureMaintenance #PublicSafety #CommunityPlanning #ChesterCountyBridges
Chester County outlines bridge inventory, inspection rules and funding priorities
County staff told commissioners Chester County owns 93 roadway bridges (91 maintained by the county), with 67 rated fair/good and 23 rated poor; three are closed (one under construction). Officials described prioritization criteria, inspection cadence under federal standards, and funding sources for 2026 projects.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 12:45 AM