HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) – The state of Pennsylvania is taking the fist step in running the city of Harrisburg, which is near bankruptcy.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett declared a fiscal emergency so that vital municipal services can continue to operate. The move comes after the mayor and city council of Harrisburg failed twice to come up with an emergency plan, and approve it.

Now, the governor will ask the Department of Community and Economic Development to come up with an emergency plan within ten days. That will protect ongoing police, fire fighters, water and sewer, trash collection and other city services, including payroll, pension and debt payments.

The next step in the process is to petition Commonwealth Court and request that Harrisburg be put into receivership, and to name a receiver.

Reported by Kim Glovas, KYW Newsradio