Taxpayers could end up paying as counties weigh borrowing to survive Pa. budget impasse

Story by Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA

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HARRISBURG — At least six Pennsylvania counties are exploring taking out lines of credit to cover expenses as the state budget impasse continues, debt that would likely be passed on to taxpayers.

County governments have relatively few options as the state misses critical payments totalling billions of dollars. Some are draining their own reserves, cutting services, or laying off workers.

Budget fights, noted Bill Glasgall, an adviser at financial watchdog the Volcker Alliance, are often driven