The Centre County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 31 adopted the county's 2025 budget, keeping the county tax rate at 7.84 mills (78 cents per $100 of assessed value) and approving a $135,000,000 spending plan that includes an $118,500,000 operating budget and a $16,500,000 capital plan.

"This initiative lays the foundation for improved future budgets and introduces hands on reporting tools for management," said Richard, county finance staff, referring to the countywide implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system. He told commissioners the budget was submitted on time after the required public comment period and that no changes were made to the proposed total following public input.

Commissioners praised staff and outside partners for the work preparing the budget. Commissioner Concepcion said the board was able to pass the plan without a real-estate tax increase "while using some general fund reserves to do so," and urged work on structural issues that make county budgets challenging. Commissioner Dersham echoed appreciation for staff and emphasized ongoing efforts to find efficiencies.

Commissioner Concepcion moved to adopt the 2025 county budget; Commissioner Dersham seconded the motion. The board approved the budget by voice vote.

The board also moved and approved Resolution No. 20 of 2024 to set the tax levy and rate for 2025, with Richard confirming the 7.84 mills figure and explaining the rate is applied to assessed value.

The commissioners said the budget process required significant staff effort during a transition to the ERP system and thanked controller and fiscal staff, administrators and managers across departments for contributions. The board noted it will continue to monitor revenues and expenses through 2025 and watch for opportunities to close budget gaps.

The board's action finalizes the county's fiscal plan for the year; no additional public hearings on this adoption were announced at the meeting.