LACKAWANNA, N.Y. — Public response to a proposed major tax levy increase for the City of Lackawanna is now on line with a petition challenging the plan.
The city has also set a special City Council meeting for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday to vote on the proposed budget and the mayor's request for a tax override.
Lynette Sikorski says, "It definitely just snuck upon people."
That is how the Lackawanna resident regards the proposal from Mayor Annette Iafallo to seek a 23.6% property tax levy increase as the city wrestles with a $4.3 million revenue loss. City officials say that includes no more federal COVID aid funding, city employee contract raises, winter storm costs, and even funding for a new city hall. City leaders say that inflation has driven up operating and supply costs for the city.
As 2 On Your Side explained before, such an increase could mean another $378 dollars in a tax bill for the owner of a $100,000 dollar assessed home. But city leaders say that keeping vital city services is increasingly expensive with inflation.
So after a public hearing last Thursday for comments, it is not clear if council will decide to reduce that levy increase amount or take other actions.
A Change.Org petition drive is circulating by opponents hoping to challenge the proposed increase. Sikorski say : "I created the petition about 18 hours ago. The signatures I'm obtaining are just strictly through social media at this point."
She added: "I am deeply concerned with how this 23.6 percent proposed tax levy increase is gonna affect the community. These are unprecedented times and many of the community members are already struggling."
And as for perceived possible impact beyond just property owners, Sikorski notes: "Renters are afraid that the tax levy is gonna increase their rent, to make the rent. And with the tax increase, they're not gonna be able to afford their mortgage payments. Along with these renters and taxpayers are afraid they're gonna have the houses foreclosed on."
She also pointed out another concern. "These homeowners may not be able to sell the homes because of the tax increase and how it's going to affect them. No one is going want to buy a house that has a tax that high."
We did ask Sikorski about any political intentions since she helped run a campaign for Mayor Iafallo's opponent in the last election and she shared that people have encouraged her to consider it. "For me? I'm not a politician. I'm just a concerned citizen."
Sikorski also says her husband is a city employee and that while some people have suggested cuts, she feels his position is justified in a vital service to the city. She also claims there are other City Hall positions which should be reviewed.