After extensive debate, a Luzerne County Council majority approved several cuts in the proposed 2026 budget on Tuesday, although a raise for the election director and creation of a new division head position remained intact.

The net effect of the cuts on the proposed real estate tax increase was still under review Wednesday morning, and council is expected to consider more amendments before the final budget vote at its next meeting on Dec. 9.

A 1.9% increase was proposed in the original budget, which would have equated to $12 more per year on a residence assessed at the median $95,500.

Election director

The proposed budget includes a $12,500 raise for county Election Director Emily Cook, which would increase her annual compensation by 19%, from $64,500 to $77,000.

During his budget pr

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