Dear Editor:
During public comment at the county commissioners’ meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26, Dennis Biancuzzo, candidate for Clearfield County Commissioner, revealed an exorbitant county surplus of over $10 million dollars.
Mr. Biancuzzo provided the commissioners and the news media with a detailed compilation of data obtained from the county financial statements from 2017 through 2021.
The 2022 financial statement has not yet been filed by the deadline, as required by law. We can only guess how many millions in surplus they have accumulated from the 2022 tax revenues.
I find it concerning that the media refused to report this information, but I mostly find it appalling that our county workers continue to have the lowest wages in the Commonwealth. This surplus existed before ARPA and CARES funds were disbursed to the county.
This surplus existed while the commissioners slashed benefits in exchange for minimal wage increases. This surplus existed while the commissioners publicly implied the union wasn’t acting in good faith.
Taxpayers deserve better. County employees deserve better. We deserve better. Don’t forget to vote on Nov. 7.
Anthony D. DeCasper
Clearfield
Editor’s Note:
Members of local news media were also provided the same detailed compilation of data referenced in Mr. DeCasper’s letter in July of 2022.
The commissioners met with local media Thursday, July 21, 2022 to discuss county finances. Local media also met with Controller Rob Edwards to verify the financial data.
Detailed reports were published on GANT News, as well as in The Progress’ online and print editions on July 22, 2022.