Site last updated: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Financial issues continue to loom over county

Budgetary issues continue to be a topic of discussion for the Butler County Commissioners.

The commissioners this morning agreed to vote on a measure to withdraw an additional $220,000 from the reserve fund.

The commissioners voted in November to allow the withdrawal of up to $1 million from the county’s reserve fund, which totals $1.2 million, to help make up for the lack of state money.

In Harrisburg, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and Republican legislators have not been able to agree on a 2015-2016 state budget. The deadline to pass the budget was June 30. Without a spending plan in place, no state money has gone to counties.

However, some officials say the state is not to blame for the financial status of the county.

Controller Ben Holland last week released a study he conducted on general fund advances and contributions to other funds in the county, including state-funded programs.

As of Nov. 30, the county has given these programs $7.3 million, which in only about $150,000 more than was given last year. In 2014, the amount was roughly $7.1 million, In 2013, that amount was $7.7 million.

“We can’t blame it on the state,” Holland said.

As of the end of November, the county had $9 million in its general fund, but had more than $12 million in expenses to pay before the end of the year. Last week, the county halted nonessential purchase orders.

In addition to using reserve money, the county has about $2 million in state gas impact fee money and it is expecting about $1.6 million in internal payments to help with the budget.

Treasurer Diane Marburger said she checked with a few other fourth class counties like Butler to see if they are facing similar issues due to the state budget impasse.

According to e-mails obtained by the Butler Eagle from other treasurers, these counties are not experiencing the same issues.

Marburger said she does not think its fair to put the fault of the county situation entirely on the state.

Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said today at the commissioners meeting that the state owes the county $10 million, and said the county already has fronted $1.3 million to cover costs that the state normally would pay for.

He said, “The state impasse is causing us a problem. There’s no question about that.”

He said he could not comment on other counties, and said they may have larger fund balances.

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS