The Lycoming County Board of Commissioners reviewed a significant budget proposal for the year 2026 during a meeting on November 26. The proposed budget amounts to $123,254,342 and includes a 0.5-mill increase in the county tax rate, raising it to 7 mils. This increase translates to an annual tax of approximately $50 for every $100,000 of assessed property value.
Maya Tun, the financial director of the county, noted that this proposed budget is $5,452,008 lower than the budget for 2025. She highlighted that external factors, such as a state budget impasse and a federal government shutdown, have led to delays in reimbursements, contributing to the financial shortfall. Additionally, rising health care costs, which increased by around $4,630,000, along with a $2,680,000 rise in juvenile probation services, have contributed to a structural imbalance between the county’s revenues and expenses.
Heather Layman, the county’s chief budget officer, provided insights into the budget’s fund structure, reporting a revenue decrease of approximately $5,500,000, or 4.24%. The proposed budget includes various fund levels, with the General Fund estimated at roughly $80,000,000, special revenues around $20,000,000, debt service nearing $3,000,000, and landfill enterprise funds at about $19,000,000. Layman announced that the proposed budget will be available for public inspection, with formal adoption slated for December 18, 2025.
The commissioners portrayed the necessary tax change as a last resort to regain fiscal stability after facing ongoing financial pressures. One commissioner mentioned that the board had made cuts totaling approximately $28,000,000 over the past two years but was still experiencing cash-flow challenges. Another emphasized the goal of replenishing the county’s fund balance, which is compared to a savings account, and avoiding the repeated reliance on tax anticipation notes.
Long-term borrowing also emerged as a concern, with landfill bonds totaling $27,000,000 and additional county bonds of about $57,000,000 maturing in the coming decades. A commissioner recommended exploring expanded permitting or more landfill “airspace” to enhance revenue for debt service and operations.
During the public comments, Dennis Correll, representing the Convo Library trustees, inquired about the budget’s reflection of recent early retirements and voluntary layoffs, emphasizing that funding county services effectively multiplies the impact of each dollar received. Online commenters echoed concerns about fiscal restraint while showing support for maintaining important services.
The proposed budget is still subject to adjustments before its final adoption, and any changes made will be communicated at the formal meeting scheduled for December 18, 2025. The county board’s next regular meeting is set for December 4, 2025, at 10 a.m., and the budget document will be accessible for public review on the county’s website and at county offices. If the budget is adopted as proposed, property taxes will see a minor increase, aiming to restore the county’s financial health.