Scranton City Council members have urged the property-tax-exempt University of Scranton to contribute more in voluntary "payments in lieu of taxes" (PILOTs) to support the city's growing needs. The council's request comes as the city considers authorizing a grant application to assist the university with a nursing simulation laboratory expansion project.

Unlocking the City's Potential through Collaborative Funding

Seeking State Grants for University Projects

The Scranton City Council has routinely acted as a pass-through sponsor, helping the University of Scranton and other nonprofit entities secure state grants for various projects and endeavors. Most recently, in September, the council passed a resolution to seek a $157,000 state grant on behalf of the university for its Weiss Hall Workforce Development Project.During the council's weekly meeting on Tuesday, the administration of Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti presented a resolution to authorize the city to seek a $204,000 grant from state Local Share Account funds for the university's Nursing Simulation Laboratory Expansion Project at McGurrin Hall.

Concerns Raised over University's Tax-Exempt Status

At previous council meetings, residents expressed concerns about the city's continued support for the university's projects. Resident Les Spindler stated, "They take so many buildings off the tax rolls. Why are we giving them all this money? They need that money like I need another head. It's ridiculous."Councilman Tom Schuster acknowledged that the university had donated $150,000 to the city in January as a PILOT payment. However, Council President Gerald Smurl and Councilman Schuster both emphasized the need for the university to increase its PILOT contributions to the city.

Balancing University Needs and City Responsibilities

Smurl pointed out that the city has continuously assisted the University of Scranton, approving grant applications and other requests. He argued that it is now time for the university to step up and increase its PILOT donations to the city, particularly as the city faces rising costs for fire, police, and garbage services, which the university utilizes.Schuster echoed Smurl's sentiments, stating that the university benefits greatly from the city's resources and infrastructure, and he would like to see an increase in the PILOT payment to the city.

Divided Council Vote on Grant Application

The council's discussion on the $204,000 grant application for the university's nursing simulation laboratory project resulted in a split 3-2 vote to introduce the resolution. Smurl, Councilman Mark McAndrew, and Councilwoman Jessica Rothchild voted in favor of introducing the legislation, while Schuster and Councilman Bill King voted against it.The resolution will come back before the council for a second vote on adoption at the next weekly meeting. The deadline for submitting the grant application to the state is November 30th. If the city secures the grant, the university would receive $200,000, and the city would receive a 2% administration fee of $4,000.

University's Perspective on the Nursing Simulation Project

In response to the council's discussion, the University of Scranton issued a statement expressing gratitude for the city's assistance in applying for state funding to purchase specialized equipment for the nursing simulation laboratory. The university emphasized the transformational education that nursing students receive through simulation scenarios, which prepares them to be successful nurses and leaders in the healthcare profession.The university's goal is to continue graduating nurses who contribute to the local healthcare workforce and distinguish themselves through academic excellence, clinical skills, and compassionate dispositions.