State Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and state Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) announced the funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP).
“This grant will provide Pottsville with the resources needed to take a comprehensive look at its financial and operational future,” Twardzik said. “Strong financial planning is essential to ensuring our communities can continue providing quality services while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The $90,000 will be used for the first phase of a five-year financial and operational planning process. According to the lawmakers, the process will evaluate Pottsville’s current financial and operational position and establish strategies to guide the city in the years ahead.
Argall said the grant received bipartisan support at both the local and state levels.
“This very competitive state grant, agreed to by Republicans and Democrats at both the city and the state level, is another important investment in Pottsville’s future,” Argall said.
Argall said the effort received unanimous support from Pottsville City Council and local legislators and is intended to complement ongoing efforts to attract investment, support businesses and revitalize the city.
“A strong financial foundation at City Hall is essential to building on that momentum, protecting essential services, and planning for the future,” Argall said.
Pottsville City Councilman Jonathan Marsh, who serves as the city’s Director of Accounts and Finance, said he supported pursuing the program from the beginning.
“We are very excited to have the City of Pottsville included in the Strategic Management Planning Program,” Marsh said. “STMP is an important opportunity for us to take a comprehensive look at the City’s finances and operations, identify the challenges ahead, and develop a realistic roadmap for long term financial stability.”
Marsh acknowledged that the city faces significant work as it examines its finances and operations but said the program will provide resources and professional assistance to help officials make informed decisions.
“We know there is a lot of work to do, but this gives us the resources and professional support to make informed decisions and plan proactively for Pottsville’s future,” Marsh said.
The Strategic Management Planning Program provides matching grants of up to $200,000 to assist Pennsylvania local governments in developing comprehensive, multiyear financial and operational plans.
Pottsville’s award is part of nearly $1.5 million in STMP grants recently awarded to 16 local governments across Pennsylvania.
Since 2023, the program has provided more than $12.7 million to assist 118 communities across the Commonwealth.