NEW CASTLE —
Lawrence County’s proposed budget for 2013 shows no tax increase and 3 percent pay raises for county employees.
Tuesday, the county commissioners introduced a proposed spending plan of $93,060,686.
That is 2.64 percent — about $2.4 million — greater than the current year’s budget and utilizes all the county’s surplus funds. It will be available for public inspection for 20 days at the commissioners office at the courthouse and on the county’s website: www.co.lawrence.pa.us.
The proposal leaves the county property tax at 6.263 mills. This is 5.789 mills for general operations, generating about $19.2 million; 0.3645 for debt service, generating approximately $1.2 million; and 0.11 for the Federated Library system, expected to produce $364,132.
The last tax increase was in 2010.
The commissioners plan to adopt the budget on Dec. 18 at their final scheduled meeting of the year.
County controller David Gettings, who participated in assembling the budget, said four categories — general fund, mental health, children and youth, and health services — make up about 80 percent.
Gettings noted labor contracts for the AFSCME and Local 964 unions expire Dec. 31, 2013.
County officials have a concern about the $800,000 in revenues for the county jail, Gettings said. The county anticipates receiving this for continuing to house 50 state inmates at the local jail for the rate of $50 per day.
The state, which ran out of jail cells several years ago, contracted with counties and other states to house prisoners, he explained.
Now, because of changes in sentencing guidelines and in the penal and parole systems, the state is recalling prisoners.
Gettings anticipates the county’s contract will be secure because the local rate is among the lowest in the state.
The county budgets $6 million per year to operate the jail.
County administrator James Gagliano noted county property tax revenues remain stagnant, but the county was able to realize some savings by restructuring bonds, taking advantage of lower interest rates.
Commissioner chairman Dan Vogler said the county anticipates ending the year in the black and carrying over about $200,000 from the current year’s budget to 2013.
“Only a few years ago, we had to shut down the courthouse for two weeks when we ran out of money.”
He commended county department heads for keeping an eye on spending over the past year.
(Email: nlowry@ncnewsonline.com)
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
No tax increase anticipated in county’s 2013 budget
- Local News
-
-
Rotary celebrates, makes history
On a night when New Castle Rotary Club 89 celebrated its history, Gayle Young was making some of her own. Young, executive director of the United Way of Lawrence County, was recognized as the club’s first African American president in its 100-year existence.
-
Rotary club thriving after 100 years
No one will dispute that New Castle has seen its share of tough economic times. However, you wouldn’t know it by looking at Rotary Club No. 89.
-
Electronics recycling to be regular event
Tri-County CleanWays has started a new program to accept electronics for recycling year-round. In partnership with the Lawrence-Mercer Recycling/Solid Waste Department, the organization is offering one recycling site in New Castle and one in Mercer County, about a mile north of Mercer Borough to collect unwanted electronics.
-
Making a Difference: For Reatha Gibbs, making money comes in a distant second to serving God
How many times have you been offered a raise, only to turn it down? Never, maybe? Reatha Gibbs has — on more than one occasion, in fact. And she says she will do it again if the opportunity — and the need — present themselves.
-
Father’s Day 2013: With Dad turning 90, Presnars wade through streams of special fishing memories
When John Presnar was born in New Castle in 1923, few could have guessed that 90 years later, he’d still be fishing for trout in local streams. Even fewer would have imagined that John’s two sons, Mark and John Jr., would accompany him each opening day for the past 50 years.
-
Soni’s Season: Neshannock grad reflects on playing major college baseball
It was late afternoon Monday by the time the Sansones embarked on their bittersweet drive to New Castle. Florida State second baseman John Sansone had just completed his exit interviews with coaches following the previous day’s loss to Indiana, the Cinderella team that eliminated the vaunted Seminoles — on their home turf, no less — from an NCAA Super Regional.
-
One of county’s oldest veterans still on a mission
Life’s been a fascinating ride for Theodore “Ted” Adamczyk, one of Lawrence County’s most decorated World War II veterans. In dire circumstances, where death was often in the air, Adamczyk responded with a confidence and calmness that inspired those around him.
-
Wilmington OKs new roof, street paving
New Wilmington Borough will replace the municipal building roof and pave three streets this summer. Council awarded a $42,312 contract for the roof job to CBF Contracting of Sligo, Pa. CBF was the third-lowest bidder, but was the lowest bidder that met all requirements, according to Larry Wagner, council president.
-
Ellwood City to unveil community plaza
A two-story wallside water fountain highlights the landscaping of the Ellwood City Community Plaza. The concert and farm market venue, in the 500 block of Lawrence Avenue, will celebrate its grand opening June 22.
-
Farmers market bill moves forward in Senate
A bill to ease the burden on farmers market vendors has been sent to the full state Senate for consideration. The measure, approved by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, would allow the Department of Agriculture to issue a single, statewide license to the owner of a mobile retail food facility.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Today in History June 19
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Afghan Forces Take Afghanistan Security Lead
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
Today in History June 18
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Daughter: Mandela Doing 'Very Well'
Raw: Prince Philip Leaves Hospital After Surgery
Raw: Obama, Daughters Visit Trinity College
Raw: India Floods Wash Away Apartment Building
Obama: N. Ireland Blueprint for Global Conflicts
Raw: Obama in Northern Ireland for G-8 Summit
Raw: Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Visits Assange
Raw: Demonstrator Death Angers Turkey Protesters
Today in History for June 17th
Mandela Spends 9th Day in Hospital
