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News Regional & State News State receiver likely to have final say on Harrisburg budget dispute
Friday, 13 January 2012 13:13

State receiver likely to have final say on Harrisburg budget dispute

Written by  Craig Layne, Morning Edition Host/Reporter

(Harrisburg) -- The capital city's budget will likely see more changes, despite a bitter dispute between city council and Mayor Linda Thompson. The city's state-appointed financial custodian, David Unkovic, will likely get the final say on the budget battle. Steven Kratz with the state Department of Community and Economic Development says Unkovic has until February sixth to present his financial recovery plan to the Commonwealth Court. He says it could trump any budget from council or the mayor. "There is an option to go back and revisit the budget, depending on what is in that final recovery plan," Kratz says. Council has overriden Thompson's veto of the $54.3 million dollar budget they adopted last month. Among the 12 positions slated to be eliminated from the mayor's office is her spokesman, Bob Philbin, who says he's not planning on leaving. "That's kind of where we are right now. I don't think it's over just yet. These are key positions for the city moving forward," Philbin says. He adds the mayor is also upset council shot down her request to raise funds by selling delinquent tax collection rights to an outside agent. The city is struggling with more than $300 million in debt tied to its trash incinerator.

Craig Layne, Morning Edition Host/Reporter

Craig Layne, Morning Edition Host/Reporter

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