CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County commissioners voted to adopt the 2011 final budget on Tuesday, as it was previously presented earlier this month with a property tax reduction of 2.5 mills.
The budget calls for $29,989,774 in total expenses and $26,698,054 in total revenue and has a subsequential deficit of $3,291,720, which will be drawn from the county’s reserve.
In addition, the budget reduces property taxes from 21 to 18.5 mills, resulting in a 12 percent savings for the average homeowner. Further, a resident who owns a home with a value of $100,000 will pay $462.50, according to a prior GantDaily report.
“It’s a very lean but balanced budget,” said Commissioner Chairman John A. Sobel then. “This board feels that it’s time to consider giving money back to the taxpayers.”
“Certainly, we wish that it was more, but it’s a beginning . . . This board was willing to take the gamble. Our taxpayers deserve no less.”
According to him, it was important for the budget to include a tax reduction for many reasons. He noted then the state’s unemployment rate was around 9.5 percent and gas prices had recently risen. He added that taxpayers are expected to experience an electric rate increase next year.
Commissioner Joan Robinson-McMillen believed they were being “fiscally responsible.” She said the board wanted to return money back to its people.
“Clearfield County is a rural, blue-collar county. Who better to spend taxpayers’ money than the taxpayers?” she said.
The commissioners said the budget was a collaborative effort and consisted of a lot of hard work on the part of elected county officials and department heads.
“Everyone recognized that we’re in difficult, economic times here. We’re all pleased on how it came together, and it’s nice that it falls during the holiday season,” said Commissioner Mark McCracken.
Sobel said he spent time reviewing the county’s minutes from recent years. In 2004, he said its property taxes were at 17 mills, and it was the last time they were below 18 mills.
“The taxpayers could use some nostalgia. It’s their money; they earned it,” he said.