Westmoreland County's Republican commissioners have come under scrutiny for their 2025 budget. This budget shows an increase in spending across several key areas while carrying a significant deficit. The shortfall is being managed through a dwindling surplus fund, which was bolstered by a substantial 32.5% tax hike last year. The new budget maintains the current county property tax rate and was approved by a 2-1 vote, with Democrat Ted Kopas opposing.

Budget Highlights and Challenges

Republicans Sean Kertes and Doug Chew explain that the spending plan is aimed at enabling continued investments in the county's future. However, they also acknowledge the financial outlook remains a concern moving forward. Finance Director Meghan McCandless reveals that commissioners diverted about $9 million from the surplus to balance the budget, with the surplus projected to be just $15 million by the end of next year. This indicates that the county is not in a strong financial position.The budget includes salary increases for staff to address rising health care costs. It also allocates nearly $20 million to the county's pension fund to ensure its solvency. Key programs such as the Westmoreland County Community College, the industrial development corporation, and the conservation district have had their funding levels restored. These programs faced cuts this year, but the 2025 budget provides significant boosts.Kertes emphasizes the importance of keeping the community college on solid financial ground and supporting the economic development program. He believes cutting these during a transition period would be a failure. On the other hand, Kopas warns that the new budget could endanger county finances in the future. He argues that continuous tax increases and unrestrained spending are not sustainable.Chew blames national economic conditions, specifically Bidenomics, for the county's budget woes. He states that rising salaries are needed to remain competitive but that this is not a long-term solution. The budget includes pay raises for both union and nonunion staff, with 3.4% hikes for about 400 nonunion employees, mirroring those for elected officials.Budget expenses are expected to exceed revenues by $9 million in 2025. Overall, the budget shows about $5 million less in overall spending, but general county operations is projected to increase by nearly $28 million. To balance the budget, commissioners allocated the remaining $9 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds. The county was required to allocate all of its $105.4 million in covid-relief funds by the end of this year.In conclusion, Westmoreland County's 2025 budget presents a complex set of challenges and decisions. The commissioners are trying to balance the need for investment and financial stability, but the path forward remains uncertain.