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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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Perkiomen Valley's financial landscape is taking shape, with a manageable debt of $78.35 million and an impressive AA credit rating, but what does this mean for future projects?

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#PA #FiscalResponsibility #CreditRatings #DebtManagement #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools
Perkiomen Valley board hears annual debt and credit‑rating briefing; district debt described as short and manageable
Financial adviser Jamie Doyle told the Perkiomen Valley Board on Dec. 8 that the district’s debt portfolio is short‑term and manageable, with roughly $78.35 million outstanding, a net local effort of about $10.3 million per year and an S&P rating of AA; Doyle said refinancing opportunities are limited given historically low rates on existing issues.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:24 AM
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Lock Haven City Council just approved a budget of over $15 million for 2026, with no tax increase but potential changes to individual bills—what does this mean for you?

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#LockHavenClintonCounty #PA #LockHavenBudget #GovernmentAccountability #CommunityFinance #CitizenPortal
Lock Haven council adopts 2026 budget, approves millage consolidation and updates fees
At its Dec. 8 meeting, the Lock Haven City Council approved the 2026 budget, a second-reading ordinance consolidating real estate millage into a single rate and an annual fee schedule; officials said the change does not raise tax rates but may alter individual bills.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:12 AM
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The Mifflin County School District's board has officially welcomed new directors and elected Zed Harshbarger as president, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead!

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#PA #EducationReform #CommunityGovernance #MifflinCountySchools #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Mifflin County SD installs newly elected directors and elects board officers
The Mifflin County School District board swore in newly elected directors, elected Zed Harshbarger president and Brent Erb vice president for the coming year, and approved committee assignments and meeting dates during its reorganization session Dec. 4.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 1:47 AM
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The Octorara Area School District has just voted to remove a controversial "safe harbor" provision from its handbook, igniting a heated debate over student safety and weapon definitions.

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#PA #EducationPolicy #PublicSafety #CommunityGuidance #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools
Octorara board removes 'safe harbor' language from high school handbook to align with state guidance
After discussion, the board approved removing a 'safe harbor' provision from the high school student/parent handbook to align handbook language with board policy and recent state guidance that requires reporting of weapon violations.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 1:21 PM
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Baldwin-Whitehall School District just approved major contracts for the McAnulty Elementary renovation, but what did asbestos testing reveal?

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #PublicSafety #CommunityHealth #PennsylvaniaSchools
Board approves McAnulty Elementary construction contracts after asbestos testing
The Baldwin-Whitehall board voted to award general-construction and specialty contracts for the McAnulty Elementary project, approving six contracts and a $49,800 balancing allowance; targeted testing found some asbestos in floor tile and mastic but not in chalkboard mastic.
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December 12, 2025 at 9:17 AM
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Pennsbury School District unveils a groundbreaking $269.5 million high school plan, balancing modern design with community concerns over taxes and turf safety.

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#PA #EducationReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools
Pennsbury presents $269.5 million high school plan; architects, engineers outline schedule and respond to community concerns
KCBA architects and district staff presented final construction documents and a phased financing plan for a projected $269.5 million Pennsbury high school; the plan includes geotechnical and wetland studies (reported negative), phased bond financing, and stormwater-security designs; public commenters pressed the district on turf safety, wetlands, drainage and tax impacts.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 7:38 AM
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Superintendent Hector Lutz reveals significant school-code changes that could reshape funding, safety protocols, and graduation requirements in Pennsylvania schools.

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#PA #EducationReform #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #CivicAccountability
Superintendent outlines sweeping school-code changes, cyber-school rules and new reporting requirements
Superintendent Hector Lutz reviewed recent state school-code changes that affect admissions payment options, certification spans, cyber-school funding and attendance verification, mandatory firearm-incident notifications and phased literacy and FAFSA-related requirements. District staff said some changes will require new administrative regulations.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:50 AM
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Montgomery County's budget hearing revealed a mix of gratitude for law enforcement and library support, coupled with fierce criticism over rising taxes and spending.

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#MontgomeryCounty #PA #LibraryServices #MontgomeryCountyBudget #PublicSafety #FiscalAccountability
Speakers at Montgomery County budget hearing praise sheriff and libraries, criticize tax increases
Public commenters at the Dec. 4 proposed 2026 Montgomery County budget hearing praised investments in the sheriff's office and library services while also criticizing rising county spending and calling for audits and fiscal restraint.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 4:12 AM
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Montgomery County faces a looming crisis as federal changes threaten to slash vital housing funds, jeopardizing support for over 170 households in need.

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#MontgomeryCounty #PA #CommunitySupport #MontgomeryCountyHousing #Rights #EmergencyHousing #CitizenPortal
Housing advocates and providers warn HUD changes, urge county action to protect homelessness programs
At Montgomery County’s Dec. 4 proposed 2026 budget hearing, housing advocates warned that recent HUD policy changes could cut local Continuum of Care funding and urged the county to consider legal challenge, while providers highlighted county investments adding 70 new supportive beds and roughly $3 million in annual operations support.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 4:02 AM
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A new 70-page administrative code is on the horizon for Lancaster City, featuring a phased approach to ethics enforcement that could reshape local governance by 2027.

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#LancasterCityLancasterCounty #PA #LancasterCity #CivilServiceReform #EthicsEnforcement #CitizenPortal
Committee forwards 70‑page administrative code, including phased ethics enforcement, to full council
Solicitor presented Bill 18 adopting a consolidated administrative code (including an ethics code) and recommended pausing active enforcement of ethics complaints until Jan. 1, 2027 to allow staffing and training; the committee advanced the ordinance to first reading on Dec. 9.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 2:20 AM
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Lancaster is making strides towards a sustainable future with 100% renewable electricity and ambitious new goals for climate action—see how they're transforming the community!

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#LancasterCityLancasterCounty #PA #SustainableCommunities #LancasterCity #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction
Deputy director outlines Lancaster's 2025 municipal climate action progress and recommends new commission
Deputy Director Molly Dagger presented a 2025 snapshot of Lancaster’s Municipal Climate Action Plan — highlighting 100% municipal renewable electricity since 2020, LED streetlight conversion (~one-third complete), fleet reductions saving about $48,000 annually, 81 green infrastructure projects, and a proposed Climate Action Commission and goal updates.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 2:17 AM
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Montgomery County's proposed $632.7 million budget for 2026 is stirring strong opinions, as officials and residents clash over funding priorities for safety, housing, and essential services.

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#MontgomeryCounty #PA #MontgomeryCountyPublicSafety #PublicSafety
Montgomery County hears divided public comment on proposed $632.7 million 2026 budget; officials urged to prioritize safety, housing and services
Public commenters at Montgomery County's 2026 budget hearing praised investments in public safety, housing and food-security programs while residents and fiscal critics pressed commissioners to explain administrative growth and new positions. The board recessed the hearing to 5:30 p.m.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 2:00 AM
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Montgomery County is set to enhance public safety and community services with a proposed budget that adds new personnel, upgrades equipment, and expands library access for nearly a million residents.

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#MontgomeryCounty #PA #HomelessnessSupport #LibraryAccess
Sheriff, library director and nonprofit leaders thank Montgomery County commissioners for 2026 budget investments
At a Dec. 4 Montgomery County proposed 2026 budget hearing, the county sheriff, library leadership and nonprofit partners thanked commissioners for funding that county officials say will bolster public safety, library services and homelessness programs.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 1:41 AM
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Recent federal changes to HUD policies could slash Montgomery County's homelessness funding by $3.7 million, threatening the stability of 172 households and leaving advocates scrambling for solutions.

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#MontgomeryCounty #PA #CommunitySupport #MontgomeryCountyHomelessness
Housing advocates warn HUD policy changes could cut millions from Montgomery County homelessness funding
At the Dec. 4 budget hearing, Montco 30% director Mike Hayes and other advocates warned that recent HUD policy changes could reduce local Continuum of Care funding by roughly $3.7 million and affect about 172 households, and urged the county to consider legal challenges and contingency planning.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 1:35 AM
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Chester's City Council is gearing up for a crucial public hearing on the proposed $105 million budget, raising important questions about administrative expenses and tax rates!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #ChesterBudget #PublicFinance #LocalGovernance #CitizenPortal
Chester council moves 2026 budget and tax ordinances on first reading; public hearing set for Dec. 8
Council read the 2026 budget (general fund $62.2 million; total expenses including unpaid pensions $105.2 million) and moved multiple tax and compensation ordinances on first reading. Members asked for clearer administrative-line breakout; the public hearing for the budget is scheduled for Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 9:58 PM
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Chester's health commissioner announces a groundbreaking $1.3 million in lead remediation grants and plans for free primary care services that could transform community health!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #EnvironmentalHealth #HealthcareAccess #ChesterHealth #LeadRemediation
Health commissioner reports $1.3M in lead grants, vaccination clinics and plans to bring primary care to Chester
Health Commissioner Dr. Kristen Motley told council the Chester Lead Task Force secured $1.3 million in grants, reached more than 2,000 residents with lead education and testing, ran vaccination clinics that served nearly 200 people and submitted a pending $3.5 million HUD grant to expand remediation work.
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December 10, 2025 at 9:54 PM
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The Easton Area School District is facing a $7 million budget gap while unveiling a bold $298 million capital plan aimed at rebuilding its financial future.

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#PA #FiscalResponsibility #BudgetPlanning #CapitalInvestment #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools
Easton Area SD budget preview: $298 million capital plan and $7 million preliminary gap
District business staff presented a FY27 preliminary budget that prioritizes capital projects, aims to rebuild fund balance and shows an early $7,000,000 gap; administration cited pending audits and a $20 million fund-balance target.
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December 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM
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Housing advocates are rallying for increased rental-assistance funding, highlighting its crucial role in keeping families, especially children, housed in Allegheny County.

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#AlleghenyCounty #PA #RentalAssistance #AlleghenyCountyHousing #EvictionPrevention #CitizenPortal
Housing advocates thank council for rental-assistance funding and urge sustained support
Advocates from Rent Help Pittsburgh and a coalition co‑chair praised council for recent rental-assistance allocations and urged continued or increased funding; a public commenter criticized the budget process and broader tax policy.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 11:24 AM
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Allegheny County Council just approved a significant budget package for 2026, including fee increases for parks that could affect your next visit!

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#AlleghenyCounty #PA #BudgetAccountability #PublicSafety #RecreationFees #CitizenPortal
Allegheny County Council approves 2026 tax levy and budget package, adopts fee increases
Council voted to adopt the county tax levy and a package of 2026 budgets and fee-schedule changes, passing the tax levy and operating, capital and grants budgets and approving a fee schedule amendment after discussion about park and recreation fees.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 11:23 AM
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City officials are seeking your input on extending the LERTA tax-abatement program to boost local investment—will it pay off for our neighborhoods?

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #LocalEconomicDevelopment #HarrisburgEconomy #CommunityInput #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal
Council to hear public comment next week on LERTA extension while staff finalizes revisions
Council agreed to move Bill 14 (extending the LERTA tax-abatement program through 12/31/2026) to the legislative agenda and scheduled a public hearing on Dec. 17; staff said revisions require county and school-district review before changes are adopted.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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Harrisburg residents are demanding higher wages for city workers, transparency in market funding, and accountability from the mayor after a controversial diplomatic visit.

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #LaborRights #HarrisburgCivicEngagement #YouthPrograms #CitizenPortal
Residents press council on wages, market funding, LERTA and policing ties to international training
Public commenters urged higher pay for city workers, raised questions about Broad Street Market funding and LERTA outreach, and one speaker demanded transparency and an apology after the mayor hosted an Israeli diplomatic representative.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 9:13 AM
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Pittsburgh's council just approved a $6.9 million salt storage facility to ensure winter operations run smoothly, but questions linger about tree maintenance and local accountability.

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#PittsburghAlleghenyCounty #PA #PittsburghPublicWorks #EnvironmentalSustainability
Council approves new salt-storage facility and small tree-care grant amid questions about maintenance
Council approved a $6.9 million contract to build a Sawmill Run salt-storage facility and a $25,000 seasonal tree-care agreement with Tree Pittsburgh; members praised canopy work but pushed for clearer maintenance plans and local accountability for tree plantings.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 8:19 AM
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Harrisburg's interim director reveals significant progress in home rehabilitations and announces a $100,000 boost for a citywide economic development plan amidst pressing HUD repayment concerns.

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #HarrisburgCommunity
Council presses building and housing interim director on HUD repayment, ARPA home‑repair counts and economic plan funding
Interim director Gloria Martin Roberts told council the department completed 38 home rehabs with 11 in progress and 8 approved, distributed $500,000 in bridge housing funds, and is awaiting HUD approval to apply HOME funds to a $113,049.60 corrective action repayment; council also received news of $100,000 for a consultant to begin a comprehensive economic development plan.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 8:18 AM
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Pittsburgh's city council just approved a staggering $400,000 increase to a fleet management contract, raising concerns over aging vehicles and service gaps that are impacting residents.

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#PittsburghAlleghenyCounty #PA #TransportationReform #GovernmentAccountability
Council backs $400,000 increase to Transdev fleet contract as members press for fleet overhaul
Council approved an amendment to increase the city's Transdev/First Vehicle Services fleet contract by $400,000 — bringing the six-year agreement to $79,249,343.75 — after lengthy debate over aging vehicles, service gaps and noncontract repair costs.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 8:16 AM
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Harrisburg's finance director reveals a cautious 2026 budget built on actual spending, but looming union negotiations and market needs could shake things up.

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#HarrisburgDauphin #PA #FiscalResponsibility #GovernmentFunding #CitizenPortal #HarrisburgBudget
Finance director says 2026 budget leans on actuals; ARPA obligations complete but union talks pose risk
Finance director Bob Kenick told council the proposed 2026 budget was built from recent actuals rather than prior appropriations; the city has fully obligated about $47 million in ARPA funds, but pending AFSCME and police contract negotiations and Broad Street Market commitments create upside risk to the budget.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 8:15 AM