County of Northampton v. Department of Community & Economic Development

OPINION

JUSTICE SAYLOR.

The issue under review is whether, absent- well-pleaded allegations of fraud, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development is precluded from conducting evidentiary hearings in proceedings under the Local Government Unit Debt Act.

In June of 2000, Northampton County Council (“Council”) enacted an ordinance authorizing financing for up to $125 million in capital improvements via issuance of thirty-year bonds by the Northampton County General Purpose Authority (the “Authority”), guaranteed by the County’s pledge of full faith and credit.…