Cumberland County's 2013 budget is about $6.5 million dollars out of whack. If commissioners can't find more spending cuts, residents could face a 12 percent property tax increase or a transfer of funds from an already dwindling reserve account.
The preliminary budget for next year sets spending at roughly $74.5 million dollars. But anticipated revenue is only about $67 million. State law requires spending equals revenues.
County commissioners met Thursday to give preliminary approval to the budget. The action directs the spending plan be placed on public display for 20 days.
Copies are available at the courthouse in Carlisle, or on the county website.
This is Commissioner Jim Hertzler's first budget. He wants to see additional budget cut proposals from the other two commissioners. He contends their previous spending is what put the county in its precarious financial situation.
"The big cost we’re now faced with is the increased debt service payments as a result of $34 million dollars in building expansions, including at the prison and the public safety building," explained Commissioner James Hertzler.
The county has already frozen salaries, has employees paying more for the cost of health care and eliminated vacant positions. But Commissioner Gary Eichelberger says the state legislature's inaction is part of the problem.
“The legislature needs to tackle the antiquated structure of county government and give us options,” urged Commissioner Gary Eichelberger. "We're saddled with many requirements. We need the legislature to step up and be a partner with the counties in terms of finding a long term solution to fund services."
Eichelberger points out that the state has numerous revenue services. While counties can only rely on the onerous property tax.
If the commissioners can't find an additional $6.5 million dollars in spending cuts, they have two choices. They can use money from a reserve fund or increase property taxes by 12 percent.
That would cost the owner of a home assessed at $180,000 dollars about $41 dollars a year or less than a dollar a week.
The preliminary budget for next year sets spending at roughly $74.5 million dollars. But anticipated revenue is only about $67 million. State law requires spending equals revenues.
County commissioners met Thursday to give preliminary approval to the budget. The action directs the spending plan be placed on public display for 20 days.
Copies are available at the courthouse in Carlisle, or on the county website.
This is Commissioner Jim Hertzler's first budget. He wants to see additional budget cut proposals from the other two commissioners. He contends their previous spending is what put the county in its precarious financial situation.
"The big cost we’re now faced with is the increased debt service payments as a result of $34 million dollars in building expansions, including at the prison and the public safety building," explained Commissioner James Hertzler.
The county has already frozen salaries, has employees paying more for the cost of health care and eliminated vacant positions. But Commissioner Gary Eichelberger says the state legislature's inaction is part of the problem.
“The legislature needs to tackle the antiquated structure of county government and give us options,” urged Commissioner Gary Eichelberger. "We're saddled with many requirements. We need the legislature to step up and be a partner with the counties in terms of finding a long term solution to fund services."
Eichelberger points out that the state has numerous revenue services. While counties can only rely on the onerous property tax.
If the commissioners can't find an additional $6.5 million dollars in spending cuts, they have two choices. They can use money from a reserve fund or increase property taxes by 12 percent.
That would cost the owner of a home assessed at $180,000 dollars about $41 dollars a year or less than a dollar a week.