11/2/16
by News Department on 11/02/16Hazleton could see tax increase...
Homeowners in Hazleton could soon be paying more in property taxes. Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Jeff Cusat proposed a 20 percent increase to help balance the city's budget.
In addition to raising property taxes, the mayor is also calling to increase some current fees and create new ones.
Cusat calls the changes necessary to maintain the same level of services for the city.
The mayor also wants to increase parking tickets from $10 to $20. He also wants to create a new tow recovery fee, costing $50 more to get your car back.
For the mayor's property tax increase to go into effect, city council needs to back him up. Hazleton city council is still reviewing the mayor's proposed budget and what it means for taxpayers.
A budget needs to be in place by the end of the year.
The tax hike would mean about $56 more a year for the average homeowner.
