The Washo/O’Brien Administration presented to the public their 2009 tentative budget that totaled $86.2 million without a tax increase. This is down from their 2008 budget of $89.7 million which had a built-in tax increase of over 2 mills. It was built-in because they ignored our administration’s budget which would have given the taxpayers a tax decrease for the third consecutive year.

On the other hand, it gave the current majority an extra $2.1 million in spending in 2008. It appears that even with the extra money there will be a shortfall come year-end.

The administration has attempted to be fiscally responsible. The restructuring of debt to reduce payments was necessary. It was not something they “discovered” when taking office January 7th. However, it had always been the plan to refinance as discussed with them immediately after they won the majority in November.

Reducing utility costs, expanding recycling efforts, combining several county services, reducing the county fleet, eliminating gas cards are beginning to bear fruit. In April, they eliminated 61 positions and cancelled several contracts to save money.

I did not agree with the latter actions because a new layer of bureaucracy was added. We have too many deputy director and director positions at very high salaries. I also did not agree with mid-year raises handed out recently to several directors.

The 2009 budget is more of a challenge this year because four union contracts expire at year end. It is almost impossible to predict the result of those negotiations. All departments have been asked to reduce expenses which some already have and others are still analyzing each expense account. The budget will change several times before it is adopted in December.

As minority Commissioner I am allowed to review the budget and offer comment. I looked at all departments and offer $937,000 in net savings (see attached for details). There are still more items which need to be explained to me before any additional cost savings can be suggested. However, I consider this first look to be beneficial to both the taxpayer and the County and hope all of my suggestions are implemented.

 2009 Lackawanna County Tentative Budget - Minority Commissioner Changes, October 19, 2008

A. J. Munchak
Lackawanna County Commissioner

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