Letter to the Editor - Re: 2009 Budget
Daily Local News - 11/20/08
Carol Aichele
Chair
Chester County Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners of Chester County clearly understands the precarious condition of our economy. We also understand that Chester Countians are concerned about their financial future and providing for their families.
Even in difficult economic times, the county must provide necessary services for our residents at a reasonable cost. Many of our services go to those in greatest need. We have a duty to provide for their health and safety. We must provide services for the aged, those with mental health and mental retardation issues, and resources for our emergency 911 system and our justice and corrections systems. Our open space and parks come at a price, and the county is responsible for keeping bridges safe. The repair of one bridge alone can cost $2 million.
No one likes to pay higher taxes; indeed, at times many of us feel that we pay more than our fair share. As Chester County is concluding its budgeting process for 2009, taxpayers can rest assured that the commissioners have been exploring every possible way to hold the line on taxes.
We have imposed a hiring freeze and have rejected calls for new positions. More than 160 positions have already been cut. Our department leaders and our elected officials will not get salary increases next year. Incentive payments won’t be given to our employees, even though they deserve to be recognized for their outstanding performances.
A zero tax increase is always our goal. We achieved that goal last year. This year, we have held the line on expenditures within our control. Even with the huge decrease in revenues caused by the drop in the stock markets and the slowing of real estate transactions, we have managed to match last year’s zero budget increase except for one item, the county’s contribution to a defined benefit pension plan.
The county’s pension contribution is mandated by law. Our portion this year is $13.2 million, an increase of $5.7 million from last year. This shortfall is a direct result of the deterioration of the financial markets, and the county is bound by law to cover this shortfall. We will have a four percent increase in taxes next year solely because of the pension plan. That means an extra $26.80 for the median taxpayer.
For as long as I’ve been in county government, I’ve been speaking out against defined benefit pension plans. This is the 800-pound gorilla in the corner of every government’s budget process. We should move to the type of pension plans used in the private sector. The system is flawed. But until the State changes it, we are required by law to fund it.
I will make sure we continue to look for more ways to save before the final adoption of the budget. We have already cut more than $7 million from the original draft, and I was glad to see so many residents attend our public hearing on the budget last Thursday. Participants offered many excellent suggestions.
We are all in this together. These troubling times will gradually improve. They always do. Chester County will continue to be one of the best places on earth to live.
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