# Scranton City Council Caucus PEL 11-10-26

Scranton City Council held a caucus on November 10, 2026, to review the Pennsylvania Economy League’s five-year financial projection for the city through 2030. The report’s March-based assumptions projected revenue growth of 6.1% against expenditure growth of 9.4%, with personnel costs accounting for more than 70% of expenses, and estimated deficits of about $1.26 million in 2027 rising to $4.15 million by 2029. City officials said the projections predated newer budget information and should not be treated as current forecasts: the 2027 budget was balanced without a tax increase, reflecting updated revenue and expense figures, including better-than-expected earned income tax receipts. The discussion emphasized continued monitoring of personnel, healthcare, workers’ compensation, and other major costs, along with reviewing whether service fees cover the full cost of providing services. The report also cited the local services tax, currently generating about $3.5 million, as a significant revenue source whose future depends on legislative action to extend or broaden the city’s authority to levy it.

No contract award, solicitation, or new procurement approval was identified. Officials noted that the city changed its prescription benefit provider for 2026 and receives benefits consulting support from Willis Towers Watson; the administration said it monitors healthcare costs with its broker and related vendors. Council requested a department-by-department breakdown of professional-services budget lines and asked the administration to check with the legal department on city representation at property-assessment appeal hearings. The discussion also referenced professional-services reductions as part of balancing the 2027 budget, but no specific contract or vendor award was presented.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Sources
- [Scranton City Council Caucus PEL 11-10-26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ah72HzQzPU0) - ECTV