Pa. orders fee increases, layoffs in Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Increasing parking fines and business license fees in Pennsylvania’s financially troubled capital and laying off some city employees is part of the state’s initial takeover plans.

The administration of Gov. Tom Corbett said today that it wants Harrisburg to adopt some key suggestions, such as the fee increases and layoffs, recommended previously by a state consultant, but rejected by the City Council.

Harrisburg’s City Council filed for federal bankruptcy protection last month in an effort to get creditors to reduce the approximately $300 million in debt tied to its trash incinerator.

But the Republican-controlled state Legislature and Republican governor enacted a takeover law last month in a bid to force Harrisburg to pay down the debt. Separately, the governor and Legislature have also tried to derail the city’s bankruptcy petition.