Commissioners to approve budget
WAYNESBURG – Greene County commissioners are expected to approve a no-tax increase 2015 general fund budget today.
Final action on the budget is slated for Dec. 18. The public will have an opportunity to view the budget during a 20-day inspection period that will be advertised in the Observer-Reporter and on the county website. It will be available for viewing from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the office of Greene County Chief Clerk Jeff Marshall.
The $19 million spending package is $1.34 million more than the one passed for this year. The budget includes the projected impact fee payment of $2.5 million in July, while the 2014 budget contained about $3.6 million from the Act 13 funds.
It is expected the entire impact fee, except $570,000, will be transferred out of the general fund and placed into the capital projects fund.
Budget increases are mainly because of salaries and benefits. Union increases averaged about 5 percent; management increases were 2 percent plus raises; and the increase in medical coverage costs are expected to be at 12 percent.
Millage will remain at 7.535 with 6.77 mills going to the general fund, 0.695 mills to pay for bond issues and 0.07 mills going to the library system.
The commissioners presented a certificate of recognition to Jan Caldwell, retiring director of Corner Cupboard Food Bank in Waynesburg. Caldwell is retiring Friday after 14 years with the organization.
Also today, the board plans to approve $3,000 grants to 16 fire departments in the county and make several appointments to various boards.
The commissioners are expected to approve the 2014 three-year Community Development Plan to include 2014 funds for the second phase water line extension project along Happy Valley Road in Morgan Township; 2015 funds for Monongahela Township for the East Dunkard Water Authority waterline extension, as well as Alicia/Poland Mines sewage; and 2016 funds for Wayne Township for waterline extension along Jay Phillips and Yeager Road.
The board also will present certificates to several people and companies for their contributions to the Conservation District.