BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Bradford County has set the proposed property tax rate for next year at 10 mills once again, raising an additional $1.13 million in revenue.
The decision followed the recommendation of County Clerk Denny Thompson and a long discussion about funding fire protection through a new fire assessment.
“It is not advisable that the board lower its existing millage rate of 10 mills unless it is willing to cut budget spending by the reduced revenue,” Thompson said. “In short, if you cut your revenue, you need to cut your actual spending positions, operational sites, hours of operation, equipment, vehicles on the roads, benefits, etc.”
The 10-mill levy to cover spending is directly responsible for growing the county reserves for the first time in years, Thompson said.
“In the event the county adopts additional revenue sources, such as a fire assessment, the funds will not come online immediately in fiscal 24-25, therefore it would be fair to consider lowering the millage rate next fiscal year, 25-26, once the funds are available from the new revenue source,” he said.
The commission should also keep its capital improvement plan in mind while setting the tax rate now and in the future, he said. That plan was adopted in 2020 and needs to be reviewed and updated.
Thompson thanked commissioners for individually taking time to meet with staff and discuss financial matters.
Hearing his recommendation, the proposed tax rate of 10 mills was set. It can be lowered if the board reconsiders during the budget hearings, the first of which will take place Sept. 3.
Finance will present a tentative budget to review on Aug. 6.
Taxable value has grown in the county to more than $1.4 billion, an increase of more than $113.4 million since last year. That will result in a tax increase — an additional $1.13 million in additional tax revenue, for a projected total of $14 million.
Proposing the rolled-back rate would have lowered the tax rate to 9.5178 mills, cutting new revenue to $457,000.
Finance Director Dana LaFollette provided a third quarterly update on spending for general government, fire rescue and the road department.
As of June 30, expenditures had exceeded revenues in the general fund by more than $1 million. That lowered the fund balance in the general fund, which was nearly $17.4 million at the beginning of the year, to $16.3 million. If that continues, the general fund’s fund balance is projected to be $15.9 million by the end of the fiscal year.
Bradford County Fire Rescue has added to its fund balance, taking in an additional $379,000 over what it has spent so far this year. (This included revenue transferred from the general fund.) If that continues, the department is expected to end the year with a fund balance of $1.3 million, up from $806,000 at the beginning of the year.
The road department has spent more than $431,000 from its $1.66 million fund balance to keep up with expenses. Revenue, including budgeted transfers from the general fund were $1.9 million compared to $2.34 million in spending. The projected fund balance at the end of the year is down to $1.09 million.
