The article “Property owners get sticker shock from Westmoreland hike” (March 7, TribLive) focuses on reaction but provides no information about money spent. Residents are rightfully outraged; they are being asked to cover ever-increasing costs with little or nothing to show for it. There needs to be accountability for county expenditures. While the commissioners have been vocal about the need for higher taxes, nothing has been said about efforts to control or reduce expenditures.
A review of the county budget shows dramatic expenditure increases with little to no explanation. General Fund expenditures increased nearly $30 million over the past four years. Personnel expenditures increased over 20% while fringe benefits increased nearly 30%. Fringe benefits are excessive at over 55% of personnel costs.
The county simply cannot afford continuing increases. The budget discusses pension and health insurance increases; where is the effort to reduce these costs? Many businesses have frozen pensions and adopted 401(k) plans with matching contributions. The county apparently pays actual health insurance claims with increasing costs of 10-12% per year. Would it not be wise to adopt plans that reduce costs?
Individuals responsible for spending taxpayer dollars need to be held accountable for expenditures. Clearly there is a need for oversight. Westmoreland County has a large population of individuals living on fixed incomes; they deserve better!
Mildred Klee
Unity