As Lackawanna taxpayers, we are deeply concerned about the financial direction of our city and the growing burden being placed on residents and working families.

The proposed 2026-2027 city budget increases spending from approximately $35.7 million to MORE THAN $38.2 million in just ONE year — a nearly $2.5 million increase.

At the same time, residents are now facing:

• Nearly 8% property tax increases
• Higher garbage fees
• Rising debt obligations
• Millions being pulled from reserve funds just to balance the budget

The City of Lackawanna is also officially moving forward with overriding the property tax levy limit for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Families in Lackawanna are already struggling with:

• Inflation
• Grocery costs
• Utility bills
• Insurance increases
• Rising interest rates
• Everyday living expenses

Yet taxpayers are now being asked to absorb even MORE financial burden while city spending, debt, and long-term financial obligations continue growing.

Residents were told the new City Hall project would be phased responsibly and supported through financing strategies and outside funding opportunities.

Instead, taxpayers are now facing:

• Millions already borrowed
• Rising annual debt payments
• Additional borrowing potentially still required
• Court-related upgrades that could add another estimated $12–15 million in additional costs

Taxpayers deserve honest answers:

1. How much will this project ultimately cost residents?
2. How much future debt are taxpayers being locked into?
3. How many more tax and fee increases are coming?

The proposed budget also relies on nearly $2.9 million in reserve funds just to balance the budget — a major warning sign that should concern every taxpayer in Lackawanna.

Two years ago, I, Lynette M. Sikorski, organized a petition opposing a massive proposed tax levy increase that quickly gained more than 1,400 signatures from concerned residents who believed taxpayers deserved transparency, accountability, and a voice in decisions directly impacting the financial future of our city.

Residents stood together once before because families understood the financial burden being placed on taxpayers was becoming too much.

Now here we are again:

• More taxes.
• More fees.
• More debt.
• More reserve spending.
• More financial pressure on residents.

Families in Lackawanna do not get to endlessly overspend, drain savings accounts, and simply force someone else to cover the difference.

Government should not operate that way either.

By signing this petition, you are demanding:

1. Transparency
2. Accountability
3. Responsible financial leadership
4. Full disclosure of total City Hall costs
5. Full disclosure of grants and outside funding received
6. Clear explanation for reserve fund spending
7. Responsible budgeting BEFORE placing additional financial burden on taxpayers

The residents of Lackawanna deserve transparency and accountability before overriding the tax cap and placing even more financial pressure on hardworking families!

Lackawanna residents deserve answers.

This is your opportunity to ask questions, demand transparency, and hold leadership accountable.

Most importantly show up Wednesday, June 3 at Lackawanna City Hall (arrive early to get a seat):
⏰ 5:30 PM – 2026-2027 Proposed Budget Hearing
This is where residents can speak about:
💰 The proposed tax increase
🏠 The impact on homeowners
🏘️ The impact on renters
🗑️ Garbage fee increases
📈 Overall city spending and priorities

⏰ 6:00 PM – Tax Cap Override Hearing
This is a separate hearing on a local law that would allow the City to override New York State’s property tax levy limit (tax cap) due to “financial constraints.”

Be present. Be respectful. Be loud enough to be heard.