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Judge Rejects Harrisburg Mayor's Budget Lawsuit, Leaving Council's Cuts Intact

Williams plans to appeal after the ruling affirmed council's authority over funding for four administration posts.

Overview

  • Dauphin County Judge Jeff Engle ruled City Council acted within its authority to defund four mayoral administration positions and dismissed the case.
  • The court said the city charter does not require a business administrator and confirmed council properly overrode Mayor Wanda Williams' veto.
  • Williams said she will appeal the decision after arguing the posts should have remained funded.
  • Three city-paid employees were laid off and a fourth remains on a reduced federally funded salary following the budget changes.
  • The ruling left unresolved whether labeling officials "interim" avoids the 120-day limit for unconfirmed appointments, as the legal fight has already cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.