Commissioners approve additional 1% budget authority

YORK COUNTY – The York County Commissioners have approved the ability to authorize an additional 1% in budget authority.

This is considered each June.
The additional 1% budget authority for the new fiscal year means it is available if needed but does not necessarily have to be utilized. The board has the authority to ask for an additional 1%, which would allow for a 3.5% increase in the next budget.
As said by York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier, the authority allows them to utilize the increase if needed, “but that certainly doesn’t mean we have to use it.”
Last year, the board voted no. The year before that, the board voted yes. And the year before that, they turned it down.
“This would take a super majority of the whole board to pass, so that means all four of us would have to vote in favor for it to take place,” Obermier said, noting Commissioner Jack Sikes was not present for this week’s meeting. “This is not the budget itself, it just allows an additional 1%. Historically, this board has bounced back and forth with this. It doesn’t mean you are spending the money, it just allows it if it is found it is needed.”
“I’ve been on both sides of this in the past,” said Commissioner Daniel Grotz. “Last year we didn’t pass it and the year before, we did. I’ve been hesitant in the past to authorize this, but we’ve seen how prices have increased. And as you have said in the past, Randy (Obermier), we don’t want to tie the hands of future boards as well. You made the point this is not saying we will increase the budget, it just gives us the authority to do what we need to do. And we can cut things from the budget if needed. I can be on board with this, this year. But if the budget comes in at a 3 ½% increase, I will vote no on that budget.”
“I’d be in support of this, as it doesn’t mean we will spend it,” said Commissioner LeRoy Ott.
“I’m on board with the authorization but I’m not on board with spending it,” Grotz said further.
“I’d be on board, given the flexibility it gives us,” said Commissioner Andy Bowman.
“We are affecting boards down the road and it is up to us to control the budget,” Obermier added.
All four commissioners voted in favor of the additional 1% budget authority.