County 2020 tax rate remains even

The county tax rate will remain at 10.83 mills in 2020 – making it the 15th year without a property tax increase.

The commissioners set the millage at the Oct. 23 meeting, with general real estate at 10.5 mills and an additional .33 mills for the county libraries.

The proposed 2020 county budget of just over $46 million will be available for public review on Monday, Nov. 4 in the courthouse lobby, as well as at the four library branches.

The budget will be considered for adoption by the commissioners at the Dec. 11 meeting.

Commissioner Alan Hall said there is an overall increase in the county budget for 2020. The $46 million total reflects pass-through funds – federal and state money allocated to specific programs, such as transportation, children and youth services, etc.

The operational budget is about $23 million – also a slight increase over the current year. Hall said there is an 11 percent increase in health care costs in the budget.

He also said the county is anticipating about $500,000 more in additional grant funds.

The county also entered a three-year agreement with Kohanski Company PC, of Moosic, for financial auditing with fees of $39,900 in 2019; $41,000 in 2020; and $42,500 in 2021.

The commissioners entered into cooperation agreements with Trehab and Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority for administration of the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program for 2020.

Trehab was also authorized to file a proposal for $1 million in PHARE funding to develop and sustain senior housing units in Bridgewater Twp.

Trehab was also authorized to file a proposal for PHARE funds in the amount of $125,000 to administer a rental and utility assistance program.

Susquehanna Housing-Redevelopment Authority was authorized to file a proposal for PHARE funds in the amount of $995,000.

The resignation of Dennis Landis from the position of Maintenance Supervisor was accepted, with regret, effective end of day, Jan. 1, 2020. On Jan. 2, 2020, Landis will step into the newly created, part-time, temporary position of Manager of Special Project. The new position is limited to 1,000 hours annually, and can not exceed 29 hours per week.

James Hawley will transfer into the newly created position of Director of Public Facilities, effective Nov. 7.

Carrie Guzy was hired to the position of Dept. of Public Safety Operations Manager, effective Oct. 21.

The commissioners also acknowledged local Business and Professional Women’s Clubs with proclamations for National Business Women’s Week, Oct. 21-25. The Montrose BPW and Nellie Jane Dewitt BPW received proclamations.