November 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes

AI Summary

The City of Hazleton Government Study Commission met on November 18, 2025, to discuss potential adoption of a Home Rule Charter, with six of seven commissioners present. Mayor Panto of Easton (population 30,504, annual budget $74 million) presented details on Easton's 2008 Home Rule Charter adoption, which expanded its city council from 5 to 7 members and enabled alternative revenue sources beyond property taxes. Jim Perry, President of Hazleton City Council with 11 years of service, testified that the current government structure limits revenue to property taxes and that a Home Rule Charter would provide options such as earned income tax to support city services. Commissioners Tom Bruno and Joe Zeller expressed support for pursuing a Home Rule Charter based on the need for alternative revenue mechanisms and community benefit, while the Commission heard a presentation from Pennsylvania Economy League consultant Fred Redding on the charter drafting process.