HARRISBURG, Pa.—The cost of cash-strapped Harrisburg's incinerator debt is increasing by an estimated $1 million per month as officials debate how to pay it off.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg ( http://bit.ly/Ptmx41) reports the debt associated with the city's incinerator renovation project has grown from $307 million in June 2010 to about $330 million currently.

Officials say a combination of interest, fees, penalties and attorney costs are causing the debt to increase.

State-appointed financial custodian William Lynch and Harrisburg's city council are scheduled to go to court Thursday over a proposed tax increase. Lynch wants to force the city to institute a 1 percent earned income tax increase as part of a recovery plan.

Among other plans for dealing with the debt is the sale of the incinerator and leasing the city's parking system.

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Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews