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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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Bethlehem residents are demanding action as the fire department operates with nearly half its staff—will the city finally address this critical shortage?

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#BethlehemLehighandNorthamptonCounties #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BethlehemFirefighters #CommunityEngagement
Residents and firefighters press Bethlehem council to add personnel amid staffing shortfalls
Public commenters and union leaders urged Bethlehem City Council to add firefighters to the 2026 budget after multiple speakers said the department is operating well below established staffing levels; speakers called for short‑term hires and use of SAFER grants.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:49 PM
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The East Stroudsburg Area School District just welcomed four new directors while electing Michael Catrillo as president—find out how these changes shape the future of local education!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EastStroudsburgSchools #CommunityInvolvement #LocalPolicy
East Stroudsburg Area School District swears in directors, elects officers and revises committee schedule
At its Dec. 1 reorganization meeting the East Stroudsburg Area School District board swore in four newly elected directors, elected Michael Catrillo president and Jason Gollstrand vice president, approved committee rosters and canceled most January committee meetings because the administration center will be under renovation.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 3:10 PM
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The Bethlehem Finance Committee received glowing news as auditors confirmed the city's 2024 financial statements are in impeccable shape, but they also issued key recommendations for improvement.

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#BethlehemLehighandNorthamptonCounties #PA #AuditStandards #CitizenPortal
Bethlehem finance committee hears 2024 audit; auditors issue unmodified opinion and two best-practice recommendations
Auditors told the Bethlehem Finance Committee the city's 2024 financial statements received an unmodified opinion and that three major federal programs reviewed under the single-audit had no material issues; auditors recommended reviewing sewer-administration charges and tightening P-card approval documentation.
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December 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
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York City Council has taken significant steps by transferring the historic York Cemetery to a nonprofit, approving a $245,468 uniform contract, and extending a crucial Chesapeake Bay pollutant-reduction agreement.

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#YorkCityYorkCounty #PA #YorkCityCouncil #CommunityManagement
York City Council approves cemetery transfer, $245,468 uniform contract and extends Chesapeake Bay permit
At its Dec. 2 meeting the York City Council approved transferring York Cemetery to Prospect Hill Cemetery Company, awarded a $245,468 uniform/cleaning contract to Cintas, and voted to extend the county PAG-13 Chesapeake Bay pollutant-reduction agreement through Dec. 31, 2030; council also introduced two ordinances.
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December 3, 2025 at 9:14 AM
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A local resident is urging Marion Township council to tackle critical water and sewer concerns before a massive 278-acre rezoning near I-80 goes forward.

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#BellefonteCentreCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #BellefonteTownship #WaterSustainability #InfrastructureIssues #CommunityPlanning
Marion Township rezoning near I-80 raises water and septic concerns at council public comment
A Marion Township resident asked council to press the Nittany Valley Joint Planning Commission and Marion Township to address water, sewer and recharge-area issues related to a proposed 278-acre rezoning near I-80 and asked that state agencies be invited to the conversation.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 4:34 PM
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Tom Strickler reveals crucial insights on future funding for education and the potential risks of financial oversight in Pennsylvania's schools.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaEducation #GovernmentOversight #EducationFunding
CFO briefs Elizabethtown board on state funding, PDE ‘early‑warning’ process
CFO Tom Strickler walked the board through 2025–26 funding estimates, estimated unanticipated revenue and Pennsylvania Department of Education procedures for financial watch, recovery and receivership, stressing the district has not received any PDE notice.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 8:20 AM
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Tensions soared at the Elizabethtown Area School District meeting as students and teachers condemned the board's treatment of student reps and the controversial removal of popular books from the curriculum.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #CivicAccountability
Public tension over student representatives and ELA curriculum erupts at Elizabethtown board meeting
Public commenters, teachers and students criticized the board’s remarks to student representatives and the removal of certain ELA selections from required curriculum; the board says books remain available in libraries but not required coursework.
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December 2, 2025 at 8:19 AM
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The Elizabethtown Area School District faces a critical dilemma as aging buildings show alarming signs of deterioration, yet recent air-quality tests have not raised emergency alarms.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalHealth #CommunityAccountability
Elizabethtown board says buildings ‘need work’ but tests show no emergency air‑quality alarm
Board facilities chair James Emery acknowledged long‑running sewer and building deterioration and described recent professional air‑quality testing that the district says shows no emergency readings, while community members and teachers pressed for independent reviews and remediation plans.
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December 2, 2025 at 8:16 AM
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The Solanco School District is gearing up for a significant budget overhaul as board members approve a crucial opt-out resolution to unlock new state funding amidst rising costs.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #FiscalResponsibility #EducationFunding #PennsylvaniaSchools
Solanco SD board previews 2026–27 budget, adopts Act 1 opt‑out resolution
At its reorganization meeting the Solanco School District board heard a detailed budget preview from staff, approved an Act 1 opt‑out resolution to access new state funds, and accepted several contracts and personnel items as the district plans for rising payroll and pension costs.
citizenportal.ai
December 2, 2025 at 7:48 AM
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Upper Darby School District is considering a bold move to limit tax increases to just 5.1% as they prepare for a crucial budget decision!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #TaxPolicy #EducationFunding #PennsylvaniaSchools
Upper Darby administration recommends accelerated Act 1 opt‑out; board signals support
District finance staff presented 2026–27 Act 1 indexes and recommended the board adopt an accelerated opt‑out resolution (limiting tax increases to the adjusted index of 5.1%). The board signaled consensus to advance the opt‑out for a Dec. 2 action amid uncertainty over state adequacy funding.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 12:32 AM
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Upper Darby School District faces a critical crossroads with growing student needs and staffing challenges, as they navigate an enrollment of nearly 12,000 pupils amid rising absenteeism and a shortage of certified teachers.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #StudentMobility
Upper Darby presents district review: enrollment broadly steady but staffing, EL growth and absenteeism pose ongoing challenges
District leaders reported 11,918 students, a growing English‑learner population (more than 2,200), rising specialized‑needs enrollment, high student mobility (~1,400 withdrawals and additions yearly) and staffing pressures including 56 emergency‑certified teachers and a substitute fill rate that improved from 35% to 47%.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 12:21 AM
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Navy veteran Dana Neely shares essential tips for students considering military service, emphasizing the importance of maximizing your ASVAB score and leveraging education benefits.

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#PA #VeteranSupport #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaMilitary #EducationAccess
Navy veteran and outreach specialist outlines military paths, benefits and preparations for students
Dana Neely, an education outreach specialist and Navy veteran, tells students to 'start with the end in mind,' maximize ASVAB scores, and use TAP and the Post-9/11 GI Bill for education and transition supports; he lists va.gov and military1source.mil as key resources.
citizenportal.ai
December 1, 2025 at 12:00 AM
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In a surprising turn of events, the Central Valley School District board deadlocked on a crucial debt resolution, leaving many questions unanswered about the future of the New Horizon School.

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#PA #VeteranSupport #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #EducationFunding
Central Valley School District board rejects IU debt resolution, approves other routine measures
The Central Valley School District board on Nov. 20 rejected Resolution 2026-04, a roll-call measure to recognize debt by Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit No. 27 for New Horizon School (4–4), while approving minutes, payables, personnel items and participation in PLGIT and other routine items.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 11:48 PM
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Erie County Council's intense debate culminated in a narrow 4-3 vote to adopt the 2026 budget and set the tax millage at 6.94, paving the way for crucial funding initiatives including support for Black Wall Street and Second Harvest Food Bank.

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#ErieCounty #PA #CitizenPortal
Erie County Council adopts 2026 budget, sets millage at 6.94 in 4-3 vote
After hours of action-sheet amendments, the council passed the 2026 general fund budget and set the real-estate tax millage at 6.94. Key approvals included a $249,990 grant for Black Wall Street, $250,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank and a $1,533,750 transfer to Pleasant Ridge Manor.
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November 30, 2025 at 10:48 PM
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The William Penn School District is poised to simplify its financing strategy, potentially saving millions while navigating favorable borrowing conditions.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #FiscalResponsibility #DebtManagement #EducationFunding #PennsylvaniaSchools
William Penn SD advisers recommend one-step borrowing, cap the ceiling near $13.3 million
PFM advised the William Penn School District board that current market rates are slightly below historic averages and that the district can likely consolidate prior two-step financing into a single borrowing with an estimated ceiling of $13.3 million; the change would raise debt service about $1.4 million in 2026-27 under current assumptions.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 10:41 PM
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Erie residents are demanding justice and accountability in the wake of the tragic killing of a man named "Cello," linking their calls for action to deep-rooted issues of racial disparity and community investment.

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#ErieCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #JusticeReform
Erie residents press county leaders for answers in killing of man they call 'Cello'
Multiple residents, family members and organizers used the public-comment period to demand upgraded charges and greater accountability in the July killing of a man speakers called "Cello," and urged county officials to act while also linking the call for justice to funding priorities for community programs.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 10:36 PM
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Lebanon's Mayor Sherry Alcopello just unveiled a budget package for 2026 that promises no tax increase for the eleventh year in a row, but watch out for rising rental-license fees!

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#LebanonCityLebanonCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #CommunityEnforcement #TaxPolicy #LebanonCity
Lebanon mayor outlines 2026 budget package; no city tax increase proposed
Mayor Sherry Alcopello presented the 2026 appropriations (Bill 21) and related ordinance introductions: a proposed 6.2% increase in revenues to $15,235,353 and a 5.93% increase in expenditures to $18,099,057, the tax-levy ordinance (no millage increase; current rate 4.581 mills) and a rental-license fee increase to help fund enforcement and operations.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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Pennsylvania's House Judiciary Committee is at a crossroads: should they expand preconviction DNA collection to solve more crimes or protect civil liberties?

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#PA #CriminalReform #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PennsylvaniaCriminalJustice #CivilLiberties
House Judiciary informational hearing spotlights split on expanding preconviction DNA collection
Researchers and survivors told the House Judiciary Committee that expanding eligibility for the state and national DNA index (CODIS) would solve more crimes and reduce wrongful convictions; the ACLU warned the policy would risk privacy, constitutional protections and racial surveillance. No vote was taken.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 1:13 PM
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Monroeville councilors are grappling with a staggering $40 million shortfall in their post-retirement benefits fund, raising critical questions about the future of retiree support.

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#MonroevilleAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #MonroevilleOPEB #FiscalResponsibility
Council confronts OPEB shortfall as auditors flag trust's limits
Council discussion revealed the OPEB trust holds roughly $8 million in assets while actuarial obligations exceed $40 million; auditors recommended reassessing the trust because the 'due to/from' between funds exceeds the trust balance.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 8:42 AM
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Monroeville is set for significant changes as public works projects thrive and the $500 million Monroeville Mall redevelopment looms, potentially reshaping the town’s finances for years to come.

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#MonroevilleAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #UrbanRenewal
Public works outlines projects, amphitheater grant and warns of long-term mall redevelopment impacts
Public works reviewed 2025 capital work and upcoming projects including park upgrades, in-house paving and a $75,000 amphitheater grant; staff also warned that ongoing Monroeville Mall redevelopment could reshape municipal revenues for years.
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November 29, 2025 at 8:26 AM
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Monroeville's budget hearing revealed alarming increases in retiree health costs and public safety demands, raising tough questions for the council.

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#MonroevilleAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MonroevilleBudget #SeniorServices
Monroeville holds first public hearing on 2026 budget as retiree health and public‑safety costs rise
At its first public hearing on the draft 2026 budget, Monroeville officials said rising retiree health accounting (OPEB), higher contract software fees and growing public‑safety demands are driving requests for adjustments; the hearing is informational and no votes were taken.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 8:25 AM
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Monroeville is facing a looming budget crisis as insurance costs soar due to recent claims, with officials urged to prepare for a staggering $900,000 hike in workers' comp premiums!

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#MonroevilleAlleghenyCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InsuranceReform
Monroeville budget braces for sharp rise in workers'comp and liability costs
Borough officials were told insurance costs will spike in 2026 after several large claims raised Monroeville's experience modification; the insurance broker recommended a steep increase in the workers'comp line and warned excess liability will also climb, creating a notable budget pressure.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 7:59 AM
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A new bill aiming to enhance safety at Pennsylvania's waterways by requiring better signage and coordination for run-of-the-river dams has just passed a crucial committee stage.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalProtection #PennsylvaniaFish #CommunityAwareness
House committee amends and advances bill to require marking and public mapping of run‑of‑the‑river dams
House Bill 961, which would require DEP to compile and share lists and maps of run‑of‑the‑river dams, shorten owner compliance timelines for signage, and require PFBC input, was reported as amended after committee debate on safety, agency coordination, and penalties.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 7:36 AM
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Luzerne County Council's lengthy budget debate led to crucial amendments on pension contributions and personnel pay, sparking discussions on staff retention and taxpayer concerns.

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#LuzerneCounty #PA #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #GovernmentAccountability #StaffRetention
Council adopts multiple budget amendments after hours of debate on pay, vacancies and pension contributions
After extensive floor debate, council approved grouped budget amendments, adjusted the vacancy factor and pension contribution reductions, and debated personnel raises including an elections director proposal; members emphasized balancing staff retention with taxpayer constraints.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 7:25 AM
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Luzerne County is stepping up airport safety by partnering with Lackawanna County and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to enhance law enforcement presence at security checkpoints.

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#LuzerneCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability
County authorizes DA to sign airport law-enforcement agreement; council debates need and cost-sharing
Council approved an agreement directing the DA to sign a law-enforcement-officer staffing arrangement for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport with Lackawanna County and the airport; supporters argued small local departments cannot guarantee rapid response and noted a new 25/25/50 cost split (Luzerne/Lackawanna/airport).
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 7:22 AM