Pocono News Section

County Avoids a Tax Increase

County Avoids a Tax Increase - Friday, November 20, 2009 at 3:17PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Nov 20, 2009 @ 03:17pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - While many counties have had to raise taxes, it looks like on will hold the line. Monroe County unveiled its proposed budget Friday.

People all over Monroe County were happy to hear the commissioner's budget announcement. Commissioner Theresa Merli said, "We're able to balance our budget on time and without a tax increase."

Stacy Mcadams of Bartonsville smiled, "I think it's fabulous. Anywhere we could save money I think is absolutely wonderful in this economy."

While county officials say they're glad to have a balanced budget they did have to make a few cuts. The biggest cut is to the West Nile Virus Prevention Program. The Department of Environmental Protection took away an $80,000 grant. Merli said, "We will not have as extensive of a mosquito monitoring program as we have had in the past."

Other money saving efforts include a hiring freeze and a temporary freeze on capital expenses. That means employees cannot order new computers or cars until April. Mcadams said, "We can make it through with what we have right now and April is a few months away so I think we'll be fine."

Merli said, Employees were also asked to take inventory of their supply cabinets so they would stop ordering duplicate office supplies. "For whatever reason our supply closets are full of things."

They are little things that add up to big expenses and when building a budget in this economy, every penny matters.