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The Blair County commissioners on Tuesday gave final approval to a $57.64 million budget for 2023 that does not raise real estate taxes and projects a decrease of $646,584 in expenditures from the 2022 budget passed last December.
But despite that good news for taxpayers, the county faces challenges, one of those being in ways to provide juvenile detention facilities.
The issue was raised late last month by Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks.
Weeks was frustrated by the lack of facilities to place juveniles who are accused of serious crimes, and he spoke out after a hearing in juvenile court.
The commissioners Chairman Bruce R. Erb said the 2023 budget contains $100,000 for secure detention services, which is an increase from $70,000 projected for this year.
He noted, however, that even though Blair has increased its projected line item for secure detention, that doesn't resolve the problem because there is a lack of beds at the state level.
"It's a state issue," he said after the Tuesday meeting.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania lists secure detention needs among its top priorities.
The problem also has been recognized recently by Blair County President Judge Elizabeth A. Doyle, he said.
"It's a complex issue," Erb explained when it comes to providing treatment for juveniles while attempting to protect the public at the same time.
After closing its detention home in 2006, Blair was able to secure bed space in Cambria County's facility, but that facility has since closed.
The commissioners introduced their budget on Dec. 6, and although it was on display for three weeks, no changes were recommended.
That led to the unanimous approval of the budget by Commissioners Erb, Amy E. Webster and Laura O. Burke at Tuesday's meeting.
The budget projects $56.07 million in revenue, including the use of funds through the federal American Rescue Plan.
The projected deficit of $1.5 million will be made up through an unassigned general fund totaling more than $12 million.
The commissioners' budget lists payments through the General Fund, and for debt service and parks and recreation and libraries.
The General Fund millage remains the same at 3.709.
Payment for debt service will be increased from 0.355 to 0.367 mills (up by 0.012 mill) while payments for parks and recreation will drop by 0.012 of a mill. No mills will be levied for parks and recreation.
The 4.097 real estate levy will mean a payment of $409.70 on a property valued at $100,000.
While real estate revenues will be $32.16 million, the county will also receive: $15.5 million as reimbursement from the federal and state governments; $3.1 million in fees charged by county offices; $1.5 million in delinquent tax revenues and 3.7 million in "other income."
Major expenditures include: $14.8 million for Children Youth & Families; $11.9 million to operate the county prison; $2.9 million for the courts; $1.4 million to support the Magisterial District Justices, and $2.7 million for the probation departments.
Another $14 million has been appropriated for the administration and general county operations.
The budget summary released by the county lists another challenge faced by the county government -- finding people to fill available jobs.
The summary stated, "Wages, benefits and medical insurance see a decrease this year due to the expected continuation of hiring difficulties and reduction in department complements."