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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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Rising repair costs and aging infrastructure are forcing Clarks Summit to rethink its wastewater funding strategy—could this impact your water bill?

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#ClarksSummitLackawannaCounty #PA #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #ClarksSummitWastewater #EnvironmentalSustainability
Regional wastewater official warns rising repair costs and aging equipment are driving a jump in municipal contributions
A regional wastewater authority representative told the Summit Borough Council that rising maintenance costs, aging equipment and wetter weather are straining reserves; the authority plans $1.3 million in capital projects and recommends multi‑year budgeting to smooth rate impacts.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 3:23 PM
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The East Stroudsburg policy committee is grappling with a controversial change that could impact students' enrollment during critical times of need.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #AttendanceRegulations #StudentSupport #EducationPolicy #PennsylvaniaSchools
East Stroudsburg policy committee debates striking six-week enrollment carve-out for absent students
The policy committee debated proposed edits to Policy 202 that would remove a previous six‑week carve-out allowing some students to remain enrolled while temporarily absent; administrators said the change closes loopholes and aligns the district with state attendance rules and other policies, while board members urged an appeals path for documented hardships.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
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Tarentum's 2026 budget promises no property tax hikes while introducing slight adjustments to utility rates—could this be the balance between affordability and stability?

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#TarentumAlleghenyCounty #PA #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #TarentumBudget #UtilityRates #GrantFunding
Tarentum manager presents 2026 budget with no tax increase, urges phased tax plan to ease electric fund dependence
Borough Manager Dwight Bator presented a balanced 2026 draft budget that holds property taxes steady while proposing a 5% electric rate adjustment and a $1 monthly garbage increase; he urged the council to consider a phased tax strategy in coming years to reduce reliance on electric‑fund transfers.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 1:43 PM
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The Franklin Regional School Board has taken a significant step toward revitalizing its athletic facilities with a proposed $10.5 million renovation plan that promises to enhance both student performance and community engagement.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #AthleticsRenovation
Franklin Regional board approves authorization to pursue $10M field renovation financing after wide-ranging presentation and public comment
The school board heard vendor presentations and community testimony, and approved consent agenda items that include authorization to pursue up to $10.5 million in design-build financing for a multi-site athletic field renovation. Officials said the plan would be phased to limit budgetary impact and could add roughly 1.93 mills in an illustrative scenario.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 12:03 PM
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Williamsport faces a budget crunch as Act 13 revenues plummet 39%, prompting tough decisions on paving and parks funding for 2026.

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#WilliamsportLycomingCounty #PA #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #InfrastructurePlanning #WilliamsportBudget #CommunityDevelopment
Williamsport administration outlines 2026 budget as Act 13 and liquid-fuels revenues decline
City staff presented the draft 2026 budget during a council work session, warning that Act 13 and liquid fuels revenues are down and that an FTA balloon payment is due in March; department presentations highlighted targeted cuts and priorities for paving, parks and strategic planning.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 AM
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Great Valley School District is set to receive an estimated $215,059 boost from the newly passed state budget, but board members are bracing for changes in the school code that could impact operations.

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#PA #PolicyChanges #CitizenPortal #SchoolFunding #PennsylvaniaEducation
State budget adds modest funding to Great Valley SD; school code changes to be unpacked
District officials said the recently passed state budget has begun sending payments through the PDE portal and will provide Great Valley an estimated $215,059 in additional funding, plus about $75,000 in cyber savings; board members said they will revisit longer-term school code changes in future meetings.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 11:24 PM
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Great Valley School District is set to decide on a three-year contract with Right at School for summer programs and before/after care, sparking debate over affordability and staffing stability.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #StaffingStability #ProgramQuality #FamilyAffordability
Great Valley SD to consider Right at School for before/after care and a short summer catalog
Superintendent recommended a three-year contract with Right at School to provide a three-week summer catalog and ongoing before/after care; board members pressed on affordability, staffing continuity and nonprofit vs. for-profit concerns ahead of a Dec. 1 vote.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 11:23 PM
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Norristown Borough Council made significant strides this week, from appointing new members to the Sewer Authority to approving a master plan for Elmwood Park and taking bold steps for the 2026 budget!

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#NorristownMontgomeryCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Norristown council amends appointments, adopts park plan, advertises 2026 budget and approves library land development
Council amended Resolution 25‑62 to appoint Terrence Barnes to the Sewer Authority, approved Elmwood Park master site plan (Res. 25‑98), authorized advertisement of the FY2026 budget including a 1‑mill proposal and a new fire/EMS tax split, and approved preliminary/final land development for the Montgomery County Library at 1001 Powell St. All motions passed by roll call.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:48 AM
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Carlisle is facing an 11% water rate increase to fund crucial infrastructure upgrades, impacting families by around $26 per quarter—are you ready for the change?

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#CarlisleCumberlandCounty #PA #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #WaterSustainability #CarlisleWater
Carlisle staff proposes 11% hike in water rates to fund main replacements, tank project and PFAS work
Staff proposed an 11% increase to water rates to fund East High Street and York Road main replacements, a Ridge Street tank replacement, transmission main work and PFAS pilot/design; the council authorized advertisement of the water-rate ordinance for public review.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:44 AM
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Norristown residents are demanding answers after alarming reports of local police collaborating with ICE agents, raising serious concerns about community safety and transparency.

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#NorristownMontgomeryCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #ImmigrationPolicy
Residents press Norristown council on ICE activity and police cooperation during public comment
Multiple residents alleged recent cooperative actions between Norristown officers and ICE agents, submitted video evidence and asked council to investigate. Council solicitors said they would review the materials and reiterated that borough policy remains in force.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:40 AM
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Norristown's ambitious Preserve at Stoney Creek plan promises 681 new homes, retail space, and jobs, but concerns over gentrification and traffic loom large.

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#NorristownMontgomeryCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #SustainablePlanning #CommunityEngagement #NorristownBorough
Norristown hears master‑plan conditional‑use for Preserve at Stoney Creek; developers, experts defend stormwater, jobs and fiscal case
Developers presented a 681‑unit mixed‑use master plan for the Preserve at Stoney Creek, citing stormwater‑driven reductions, 69,450 sq ft of retail and an estimated net fiscal benefit to Norristown. Residents raised displacement, traffic and data‑center concerns; council closed the hearing and has 45 days to issue a written decision.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:38 AM
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Carlisle's proposed $58.39 million budget for 2026 is set to tackle infrastructure needs without raising taxes, but what does it mean for residents?

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#CarlisleCumberlandCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CarlisleBudget #InfrastructureDevelopment
Carlisle proposes $58.39 million 2026 budget; council approves it for public display and schedules Dec. 11 hearing
Borough leaders presented a $58,394,836 fiscal 2026 budget that uses fund balance for capital projects, proposes several rate/fee ordinances for advertisement and schedules a public hearing Dec. 11; council voted to approve the budget for public display and to advertise ordinances including proposed water and sewer rates.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 1:37 AM
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The council is torn over a proposal to double the financial stabilization fund minimum from 5% to 10%, raising concerns about potential cuts or tax hikes for future leaders.

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal #GovernmentAccountability #FiscalResponsibility
Council debates raising county's financial stabilization floor from 5% to 10%
Council members debated a proposed amendment to the GASB 54 fund balance policy that would recommend a financial stabilization minimum of 10% (up from 5%), citing a current balance near $7 million and concerns that the change could constrain an incoming administration or require cuts or tax increases to reach the higher target.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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County staff revealed that ongoing initiatives are linked to a drop in opioid deaths in Northampton, prompting council members to seek clearer financial insights and recovery housing details.

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #OpioidRecovery #PublicHealth
County staff brief council on opioid trust fund allocations and program outcomes
Staff presented a compendium of drug-and-alcohol program materials and said existing programs have been linked to reductions in opioid deaths locally; council members asked for clearer financial breakouts and counts for recovery housing and were told no new programs are being proposed before the administration change.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:06 PM
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Northampton County's latest audits reveal shocking premature distributions and significant hotel tax delinquencies that could cost taxpayers thousands!

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #NorthamptonCountyAudits #FiscalAccountability #TaxCompliance #CommunityCorrections
Controller flags premature distributions and hotel tax delinquencies in county audits
The county controller reported repeated issues in the tax claim custodial fund (including premature distributions) and found procedural weaknesses in community corrections. Hotel-room-audit reviews identified $28,175.84 owed by the Lafayette Inn operator after acquisition and $1,311.09 owed by a Fairfield Inn licensee.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:04 PM
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Northampton County fire chiefs are urgently seeking $19.5 million to purchase 1,100 radios after recent communication failures put lives at risk during emergencies.

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #EmergencyCommunications
Fire chiefs ask county to help buy $19.5 million of radios for new system
The Northampton County Fire Chiefs Association asked council to help offset the approximate $19.5 million cost to equip agencies with ~1,100 radios for a new county radio system, citing recent communication failures and inequities in grant eligibility.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM
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Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinsky sounds the alarm over a proposed 10% fund-balance rule, warning it could lead to devastating program cuts and a looming $14.8 million budget shortfall.

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal #NorthamptonCountyBudget
County controller warns proposed 10% fund-balance rule would be 'unfunded mandate'
Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinsky told council the proposal to raise the fund-balance minimum to 10% would create an "unfunded mandate," cited cuts to court-ordered programs and pension funding, and urged caution before codifying the increase.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:33 PM
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Northampton County's budget committee has sparked debate by reallocating over $800,000 to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, while also advancing arts and tourism grants to the full council!

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #TourismDevelopment #RegionalPlanning
Northampton County committee approves transfers to regional planning agency, sends arts grants to full council
At a budget amendment committee hearing, members approved transfers totaling $461,375 and $350,000 to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission after debate and unanimously advanced a package of arts and tourism grant allocations to the full council for consideration.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:35 PM
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A crucial debate is underway in Pennsylvania, as lawmakers consider a bill that could ensure vital hearing aid coverage for older adults while facing concerns about rising insurance premiums.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #AgingInitiatives #PublicHealth
House committee hears competing claims on bill to require hearing-aid coverage for adults
The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee heard testimony for and against House Bill 1670, which would require health insurers to provide a minimum hearing-aid benefit for adults; audiologists argued the bill improves health and reduces downstream costs, while the Insurance Federation warned of premium increases and urged alternative approaches.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
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The Northampton County Council is at a crossroads as they debate a controversial ordinance to raise the minimum fund balance to 10%, sparking fierce discussions about its potential impact on future budgets.

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #FiscalResponsibility
Council debates proposed 10% fund-balance ordinance and records roll-call votes
Council held a public hearing and extended debate on an ordinance to raise Northampton County's minimum fund balance to 10% (GASB 54-related); an amendment to reduce the minimum to 7% failed and the ordinance received a recorded roll-call vote (individual votes were read into the record).
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:09 PM
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A recent court ruling confirmed that the ballot-marking device screen design is legal, while the county swiftly addressed a mailing error affecting 50 voters with a comprehensive remediation plan.

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#NorthamptonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ElectionIntegrity #VotingAccess
County solicitor: judge upheld ballot-marking device screen; county remailed replacement packets after wrong-ballot mailing
Assistant county solicitor and the registrar described a court decision that the ballot-marking-device screen design is legal and outlined how the county identified and remediated an isolated wrong-ballot mailing to about 50 voters, including remailing replacement packets and canceling originals where needed.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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A new bill could revolutionize farming in Pennsylvania by incentivizing cover crops, promising healthier soil and lower costs for farmers!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #SoilHealth #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #PennsylvaniaAgriculture
Committee advances bill to prioritize cover-crop funding through conservation districts
Representative Michalak presented HB17‑41, directing conservation districts to use 15% of certain funds for cover-crop projects to lower farmers’ upfront costs and promote regenerative practices; the committee reported the bill out without recorded opposition.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 10:46 AM
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Concerns are rising over ninth-grade placements at Upper Bucks County Technical School as board members weigh the need for student support against access to vocational pathways.

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#PA #DataVerification #VocationalEducation #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaEducation #StudentSuccess
Board clarifies preliminary conversations about ninth-grade placement at Upper Bucks tech school
Board discussion clarified that conversations about returning ninth graders from the Upper Bucks County Technical School are preliminary and exploratory; no decision was made and administrators said any changes would be collaborative with sending districts and driven by student-success data.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 10:26 AM
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A groundbreaking new bill aims to boost Pennsylvania-grown food in schools, enhance student nutrition, and support local farmers—transforming lunchrooms across the state!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #NutritionImprovement #FoodSecurity #LocalAgriculture #PennsylvaniaSchools
Committee adopts amendment and advances Keystone Fresh Farm to School bill
House Bill 17‑68, renamed by amendment the Keystone Fresh Farm to School Nutrition Act, was amended to align definitions with USDA and Education Department programs, add prioritization for high-need schools, and require biannual reporting; the committee reported the amended bill out.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 9:10 AM
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Green Tree is gearing up for major stormwater improvements in 2026, addressing flooding issues with a $1.2 million plan that includes critical restoration projects.

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#GreenTreeAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #GreenTreeStormwater #FloodingManagement #EnvironmentalRestoration
Council weighs stormwater projects tied to MS4 permit and grant funding
Engineering staff outlined multiple stormwater projects (Dale Drive swale restoration, Holiday Drive, Trumbull Drive, Burroughs Stream) driven by the borough's MS4 permit. Staff said about $1,200,000 in grants and a $1,014,000 transfer from the bond fund are programmed to cover significant stormwater work; access and permitting affect timing and cost.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 8:55 AM