No Tax Increase Ahead: Clinton County Passes 2026 Budget
By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN—The Clinton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the county’s 2026 budget Thursday, holding the tax rate steady with no increase for the coming year. Along with setting the 2026 millage rate at 6.7 mills, the commissioners reaffirmed the hotel room rental tax ordinance to continue supporting local tourism, and also voted to join a regional ATV trail network council.
The board approved Ordinance No. 1 of 2025, which reauthorizes and imposes the hotel room rental tax in Clinton County to support tourism promotion. This new ordinance also repeals previous versions and consolidates oversight, reflecting long-standing state recognition and established historical practices.
Commissioner Angela Harding, who voted against the ordinance, spoke at length about the complicated history concerning the county’s recognized Tourist Promotion Agency (TPA). She shared that she had devoted many hours over the past month to researching the issue and consulting with former commissioners to “understand how we got where we are today.” Emphasizing the challenge, Harding remarked, “To say that it’s a very complex issue does not fully describe the rabbit hole that I found myself in.” She continued, “Through my discovery, I’ve learned that since 1978, the Clinton County Tourist Promotion Agency has been recognized by the state as its own nonprofit organization. That designation is still active, but has not been renewed since the end of June 2025.”
Harding also pointed out that, at least since 2016, the county has been directing hotel tax revenues straight to the TPA.
Harding further explained that the ordinance essentially reaffirms a decision made in 1995, when previous commissioners designated the Clinton County Economic Partnership as the official Tourist Promotion Agency (TPA). She clarified that her objection to the current ordinance is based on concerns about organizational structure, not about wrongdoing, stating: “The reason that I did not vote yes today is not because I fear improper use of funds or nefarious action. It is because I do not want to see an independent organization known as the Clinton County tourist promotion agency cease to exist. And secondly, because it is my personal opinion that we, as the county, should have given consideration to exploring the option of maintaining the TPA as an independent organization and asking municipalities to pass an ordinance reflecting such,” Harding said. She concluded by expressing hope for future cooperation among local entities, saying, “the Partnership, Tourism and the county should all work together as partners in the future growth of Clinton County, as I expect that they will, and I look forward to being a part of that effort.”
The commissioners also adopted Ordinance No. 2 of 2025. This ordinance formally approves Clinton County’s membership in the North Central Region ATV Trail Network (NRAT) Council of Governments by adopting its articles of agreement. By joining this council, Clinton County can now participate in the regional recreation and tourism initiative.
A major agenda item of particular interest to county taxpayers was the approval of the county’s 2026 final budget. The new budget sets the millage rate at 6.7 mills and does not introduce any increase in real estate taxes. Commissioner Angela Harding highlighted this point, stating, “I’d just like to remind everyone listening and watching today that we are passing a budget with no tax increase.”
The board also gave the green light to Resolution No. 28 of 2025, which allows for the issuance of a $3.25 million Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN) for 2026. This short-term borrowing measure is intended to help the county maintain cash flow and pay for operating expenses early in the fiscal year, before property tax revenues are collected.
Other significant actions taken by the board include:
• Approving applications for two state grants: the 2025–2026 Intermediate Punishment Treatment Grant in the amount of $115,000.00 and the County Adult Probation Grant-In-Aid in the amount of $55,164.00. Both applications will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The $115,000 grant will support employee salaries and electronic monitoring expenses in the Clinton County Probation Department, while the $55,164 Adult Probation Grant-In-Aid will fund adult probation operations from July 2025 through June 2026.
• Authorizing contracts and leases for updated electronic monitoring equipment for the probation department. This ensures county probation officers have access to new technology, such as ankle bracelets and GPS devices. The contract, which begins January 1, 2026, is designed to improve supervision and compliance for individuals on probation.
• Approving board appointments: Commissioner Jeffrey Snyder was appointed to a five-year term with the Susquehanna Economic Development Association – Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority, a regional, multi-county organization that manages rail infrastructure and interests. Thomas Brigandi was reappointed to a five-year term with the Clinton County Housing Authority, where he will continue to oversee local affordable housing programs.
• Approving personnel changes: The commissioners approved the hiring of Colton Fink as a full-time deputy sheriff, contingent upon the completion of standard employment screenings, with an annual salary of $36,841. The board also accepted several resignations: Emilee Snook, a 911 dispatch trainee; Jordan Brown, a resource conservationist with the Conservation District; and approved the temporary promotion of Lori Rhoads, moving from Quality Assurance Supervisor to 9-1-1 Training and Operations Coordinator in the Department of Emergency Services, effective November 23, 2025, with a salary of $42,543.98.
A particularly notable personnel decision was the acceptance of James Watson’s retirement as director of the county’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department, effective December 31, 2025, marking the end of more than 30 years of service. The board briefly but formally acknowledged Watson’s retirement and expressed gratitude for his dedication and contributions throughout his three-decade career with the county.
Chief Operating Officer/Clerk Desiree Myers announced that the Board of Commissioners will hold the Special Salary Board meeting on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., and wished all county residents happy holidays. Before the meeting adjourned, the commissioners echoed those sentiments with holiday well wishes for the community, with Commissioner Harding stating, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of Clinton County.”
All meetings of the Clinton County Board of Commissioners are held at the Piper Building, located at 2 Piper Way in Lock Haven, in the 2nd-floor conference room. For those unable to attend in person, work sessions and voting meetings are also livestreamed on the “Clinton County Government” Facebook page, where meeting agendas are posted within 24 hours of each meeting.
The public is invited to comment on any agenda item during the public comment period at the start of every meeting by calling 570-893-4000. Questions or comments may also be submitted via email to commissioners@clintoncountypa.gov by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting. To schedule a presentation for a Monday work session, contact Desiree Myers at dmyers@clintoncountypa.gov.
