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WILKES-BARRE — This time, it’s the city asking for help.

Non-profit organizations will be receiving a letter from Mayor Tony George over the next two weeks requesting a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes contribution as Wilkes-Barre struggles to balance its budget.

The mayor has warned about a deficit this year and has sought assistance from the state to develop a long-term strategic plan and avoid a financial collapse.

“The City of Wilkes-Barre is currently facing a financial hardship and is therefore exploring numerous measures to help alleviate this situation,” the mayor wrote in the letter dated Tuesday.

He further explained the PILOT contributions would “offset the cost” of city services, such as police and fire, code enforcement, public works and community and economic development.

“With help from our non-profit community partners, we can ensure that Wilkes-Barre is a healthy, productive city that has the capability to properly serve its residents and visitors,” the letter continued.

The city budgeted $542,780 in PILOTs from 12 contributors this year. The largest amount of $150,000 is from the Wilkes-Barre Housing Authority. King’s College, Wilkes University and Highmark Inc., which took over Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Northeastern Pennsylvania, are each budgeted for $100,000.

But there are many more that don’t contribute. City Administrator Ted Wampole put the total number of non-profits at just short of 200.

“It was suggested by (city) council over the last several months that we try to solicit PILOT contributions from those that don’t already contribute,” Wampole said.

Some of them haven’t been asked before, and the city hasn’t put a dollar amount to its request.

“I don’t know what we’ll get,” said Wampole.

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By Jerry Lynott

[email protected]

Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.