Same scenario, different reason why Wilkes-Barre delaying payment of bills, says George
It's a different story this year for Mayor
George Tuesday declined to provide a copy of the agreement and distinguished between the two administrations.
"I never said everything's perfect," George said.
Since taking office in January and not getting permission from city council to amend Leighton's
"I made a big deal because he said he was sound," George said.
In
With most of the revenue collected for the year, the city's in financial straits in the fourth quarter. George acknowledged it makes sense to work out agreements to delay payments until the rest of the money comes in. The most recent monthly financial report for October showed a negative balance.
"There's no way we're going to do it without their help," he said of Highmark, which took over
Highmark did not respond to a request for comment.
Sounding much like he did last year when he responded to George's criticism, Leighton blasted the mayor.
"The man does not understand government accounting," Leighton said.
Not all of the money owed to the city comes in by the end of the calendar year that coincides with the budget year. Revenues for this year will come in next year. Vendors have different due dates for payment and they get paid accordingly, Leighton explained.
The
"They gave us that window. We were never delinquent," he said, adding for that reason city council did not have to be notified. "We were not overdue."
Leighton said he left office with approximately
"He's lacking leadership in his administration," Leighton said.
If there was any indication the city's finances were in bad shape before he left office, Leighton said it would have been picked up by
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