WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The 2025 General Budget for Wilkes-Barre was announced on Tuesday by Mayor George Brown.
The budget does not pose a tax increase for the city because of an anticipated increase in earned income tax.
Mayor Brown says the city is also facing challenges with the loss of Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital's annual real estate tax.
Lackawanna County releases 2025 preliminary budget
The mayor says this will be offset by investments in the city through construction and building permit revenue.
He also stressed the staffing of police, fire, and DPW Departments will be a priority.
"I guess the best way to sum it up is, we're looking for a very robust year in 2025. A lot of new construction, a lot of new facelifting into the neighborhood. We really feel confident, my team and I, that 2025's gonna be a great year for the city of Wilkes-Barre," Mayor Brown explained.
Community policing initiatives were also discussed with adding police bike patrols and updated traffic lights.
