County Finalizes 2014 Budget

LOCK HAVEN – The Clinton County Commissioners Monday did the expected and approved a $31.67 million budget for 2014, a document holding county real estate taxes at their 2013 level of 5.4 mills.

The new document had been unanimously approved upon introduction earlier this month and all three commissioners voted for the document at a special meeting on Monday morning of this week.

The new budget is less than the 2013 document which totaled nearly $34 million; the commissioners cited costs related to the new 911 center as a factor in the higher 2013 budget.

The 2013 document had necessitated an increase in the county millage from 4.7 to 5.4 mills, a jump of nearly 15 percent. The commissioners said at the time that document was a “transitional” one for future years.

The 2014 budget includes a 3 percent pay hike for applicable union and non-union county employees.

The commissioners earlier had approved a 4-year contract with the membership of Council 86, AFSCME. The county had held up introduction of the new budget until negotiations had been completed.

The new pact covers union members at the county correctional facility, deputy sheriffs and court-related and court-appointed employees.

In other business, the commissioners confirmed several appointments to various boards and authorities.

James Harbach, Charles Bechdel, Jr and John Lucs were re-appointed to the Clinton County Agricultural Preservation Board, effective Jan. 1, 2014, for three year terms ending Dec. 31, 2016.

David Calhoun and Melvin Coakley were re-appointed to the Clinton County Planning Commission, effective Jan. 1 2014, for four year terms ending Dec. 31, 2018.

Charlotte Popovich was re-appointed to the Clinton County Housing Authority, effective Jan. 1, 2014, for a five year term ending Dec. 31, 2018.

Trent Miller and Thomas Livingston were re-appointed to the Clinton County Recreation Authority, effective Jan. 1, 2014, for five year terms ending Dec. 31, 2018.

Richard Saxton was appointed to the Clinton County Recreation Authority to fulfill the term of Ray Walizer, effective Dec. 30 2013, for a term ending Dec. 31, 2017.

Robert Rolley, Tim Horner, James Reeser, Craig Muthler, Carol Hanna and Wade Keiffer were re-appointed to the Clinton County Loan Administration Board, effective Jan. 1, 2014, for one year terms ending Dec. 31, 2014.

Warren Gottschall was re-appointed to the Clinton County Hearing Board, effective Jan. 1, 2014 for a three year term ending Dec. 31, 2016.