Bucks County has released its preliminary operating budget for 2019. The $442 million budget is a 4.3 percent increase over last year and projects a deficit of roughly $15.5 million at the current tax millage rate.
The county has not released whether a tax increase will be considered to balance the budget.
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Last year’s budget was $424 million and saw increases blamed on impacts related to the opioid epidemic.
“Each year, it seems, new regulations and burdensome paperwork from the state, the normal cost of living increases and the growing needs of the community – ranging from overcrowding in our prisons to the opioid crisis – make these budgets more difficult,” Bucks County Commissioners Chairman Robert G. Loughery said. “Again, though, we will find ways to balance these needs with the taxpayers’ interests to complete this budget before year’s end.”
According to officials, among the factors driving the preliminary 2019 deficit are increased pay and benefits for employees, the addition of 14 new positions in 2018, and rising costs for debt service. Revenue losses in the Emergency Communications and Health Departments are also contributing to the shortfall.
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Chief Operating Officer Brian Hessenthaler and Director of Finance and Administration David Boscola described the budget as a work in progress, with the potential for further spending cuts in expenditures as well as dipping into the county’s general fund balance. The projected deficit, according to officials, has already been reduced to less than half of the initial $35 million shortfall that existed after requests came in from various county departments.
“In the best interests of our residents and taxpayers, we are constantly challenging our people to continue to provide quality services in the most efficient manner possible,” Hessenthaler said. “The challenge becomes more difficult each year, but I am confident we will be able to achieve our goal at the end of the day. We will continue working on a budget to reflect the most efficient and responsible use of our taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.”
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Bucks County is projected to carry a general fund balance of $35.6 million into 2019. The county continues to hold a AAA bond rating from Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor’s. This rating benefits taxpayers through lower borrowing costs on current and future bond issues.
As in previous years’ budgets, the county’s Health Division and Housing and Human Services Division account for the largest portion of the proposed 2019 budget at 48.5 percent. Departments dedicated to providing public safety account for 27.5 percent of the total.
The 2019 budget is scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday, November 28, and final consideration and adoption is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
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To view the 2019 preliminary operating budget, click here.
