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Blair County commissioners say state budget delay is straining county finances
Summary
Commissioner Webster warned that a state budget delayed six to seven weeks is forcing counties to draw on reserves, threatening interest income and potentially increasing costs for taxpayers; another commissioner echoed the call for lawmakers to return to Harrisburg.
Blair County commissioners on Thursday warned that a still-unfinished Pennsylvania state budget is starting to strain county finances and could raise costs for local taxpayers.
“There is much concern and consternation among the counties because of the fact that the budget has not been passed by the legislature and is now 6 or 7 weeks overdue,” Commissioner Webster said during the Aug. 21 commissioners meeting. He said counties without reserves are “in really dire straits.”
Webster said the delay forces counties to draw from reserves, which reduces anticipated interest income that had been budgeted. “If the funds don't come in and we're not able to use the grant monies and monies that we're supposed to receive from the state, then we have to budget for more money from the taxpayers,” Webster said.
Why it matters: county budgets depend on state payments and scheduled grants; delays can force local governments to use reserves or cut services, and may require higher local revenue to cover gaps. Webster urged residents to contact their representatives in Harrisburg to press for resolution.
Another commissioner at the meeting echoed Webster's concerns, calling the delay “unfair” and urging legislators to return to session to pass a budget. That remark was part of the commissioners' general comments near the start of the meeting and not tied to a formal vote or directive to staff.
The discussion occurred during the commissioners' comment period; the board did not take formal action at this meeting to change county budget policy or to adopt emergency measures. The commissioners noted that Blair County currently has reserves and will use them if necessary, but said prolonged delays would worsen the situation for counties that lack such reserves.
