Residents urge longer contingency and warn budget cuts could force tax increases

At the start of the meeting, public commenters pressed the commissioners on budget contingency planning and the county tax outlook.

Kim Wirtz of Chambersburg asked about the county’s contingency period, saying, “I have a couple questions. First of all, did I hear correctly that we have about a 45 day contingency, which to me is kinda unacceptable. I'd rather have minimum 60.” The chairman replied he believed the county had a 60-day contingency and asked staff to verify the exact figure.

Valerie Jordan of Fayetteville asked about reductions in the county budget and how that could affect services and taxes. Jordan said she reviewed budget figures and observed the county budget had decreased from roughly $171.2 million to approximately $162.7 million; she warned that continued cuts could lead to service reductions or the need to raise taxes. Jordan illustrated the local impact by estimating a 2% budget increase would have meant an additional $22.61 on her county tax bill and said she planned to pay her taxes that day.

Commissioners answered briefly: one noted reductions discussed appeared mainly in capital expenditures rather than service cuts, and another noted the county is managing bridge and capital needs on a replacement schedule. County staff said they would confirm the contingency length and the specifics of budgetary changes.

Public comments flagged fiscal concerns for upcoming budget cycles and urged continued transparency on how reductions would affect services and whether tax increases might be necessary.