No tax increase expected in Greene County’s proposed 2025 budget
The Greene County commissioners have released their 2025 preliminary budget that increases spending only slightly and does not include a tax increase.
The board unanimously agreed during Thursday’s regular meeting to advertise the budget that includes $19.817 million in general fund spending, which is less than 2% more compared to this year’s plan.
Taxes are expected to stay the same next year with the millage rate remaining at 9.035, according to the current spending plan. Property taxes are expected to generate $13.8 million next year, which is nearly identical to what was predicted in 2024.
In the general fund, salaries and wages make up the biggest line item and will account for $9.064 million, which is up less than 2% compared to last year.
While the general fund spending plan increased slightly, the overall $37.3 million overall budget is $2.1 million less than last year. That lower number is mainly attributed to the loss of Act 13 impact fee revenue that comes from Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling in the county, which dropped from nearly $6.5 million last year to under $4 million this year.
Within the budget, expenditures for several departments are expected to be identical to the 2024 plan. Children and Youth Services is remaining at $6.05 million; Human Services and Early Intervention will stay at $3.078 million; the Community Development Block Grant program remains at $576,865; the liquid fuels line item is anticipated to hold steady at $103,965; the 911 fund will remain at $950,000; domestic relations will stay at $692,000; and tourism holds at $210,000. Core Human Services Programs and transportation increased to $1.022 million while drug and alcohol services is up slightly to $961,716.
The proposed budget can be viewed at the county building in Waynesburg, or on its website at www.co.greene.pa.us, and then clicking on the department/services tab and selecting the budget and finance tab. The 2025 proposed budget appears on the left side of the screen.
The commissioners are expected to adopt the budget at their Dec. 19 meeting.