Washington County proposes $132.36 million budget with no tax increase
Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter
The Washington County commissioners are proposing a preliminary budget that would set spending at $132.36 million next year and not include a tax increase.
The county released the proposed 2025 budget Friday that officials said increased “within the standard cost of living” overall compared to the previous spending plan.
The county’s tax rate is expected to remain at 2.43 mills, which is the level it’s been since 2017 after being recalibrated following the countywide property reassessment.
“I’m proud to present a balanced budget with no tax increase,” commission Chairman Nick Sherman said in a written statement. “It is crucial to manage taxpayers’ money with the utmost care and accountability, treating it as if it were our own family budget. I commend my colleagues and staff for their dedication and effort in creating this balanced budget on time, ensuring we prioritize the financial well-being of our county.”
The general budget is actually about $36 million lower than last year’s speeding plan, but that is mainly due to the dwindling amount of federal American Rescue Plan Act stimulus money that has buoyed the county’s coffers over the last three years. The county received nearly $100 million of the stimulus money in 2022, and has been steadily spending it since that time. The county now has about $9 million left since officials are required to earmark it for projects by the end of this year and spend it no later than 2026.
The budget projects $109.48 million in revenue, which is up less than 1% compared to last year. The spending plan expects to use about $22.87 million from the estimated $65 million in the fund balance to make up for the gap between revenue and spending in the general budget.
“In preparing my first county budget, I am acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with being a steward of our taxpayers’ money, and I take this role very seriously,” Commissioner Electra Janis said in a written statement. “We thoroughly evaluate each line item to guarantee that every expenditure is justified and has a meaningful purpose that directly benefits our county and its residents. I am confident that this budget reflects our commitment to serving our community effectively.”
The county last year hired an outside firm, Susquehanna Accounting & Consulting Solutions, to handle the budget preparations in conjunction with the finance department. The commissioners are expected to approve the budget early next month, although it appears to still be a work in progress with more changes possibly coming over the next few weeks.
“This budget is a work in progress,” Commissioner Larry Maggi said in his statement. “I have always attempted to keep spending down and I will continue to do so with this budget and future budgets.”
The commissioners are scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. today for their agenda-setting meeting before Thursday night’s voting meeting, although the budget is not expected to be discussed.