Chesco commissioners propose no tax hike

The Chester County Commissioners unveiled the preliminary 2015 county budget that holds the line on taxes.

Presenting the preliminary budget to the commissioners at their Sunshine meeting, Chester County Chief Operating Officer Mark Rupsis said the budget represents a successful effort to “produce results while also reducing the size of government,” a county news release said.

According to the release, the preliminary 2015 budget calls for $432 million in operating expenses and $89 million for its capital budget.

“This budget reflects our commitment to providing high value for our citizens as cost effectively as possible, and our budget process demonstrates the importance we place on transparency and accountability,” said Commissioners’ Chairman Ryan Costello.

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone applauded the county employees who helped make the proposal possible, adding that it advances goals such as “continued investment in our emergency voice radio system and the public safety training campus, the establishment of a shuttle bus service from Exton train station to West Chester, the implementation of the county’s economic strategy VISTA 2025, and a mental health facilities study.”

The 2015 proposed budget recognizes and addresses the current fiscal environment, which includes “a minimal increase in federal and state funding and a slightly increasing tax base,” said Commissioner Terence Farrell. “We have achieved a budget that maintains the programs and services our citizens deserve and want, but at no additional cost to the taxpayer.”

Chester County’s tax rate is one of the lowest in southeast Pennsylvania. The 2014 median assessed value of a home in Chester County was $166,285, and the proposed county tax bill for that value is $692.24. Chester County’s 2015 preliminary budget will be presented at a public hearing on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room, 6th floor, 313 W. Market St., West Chester.

 

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