SUNBURY — The Standard Journal is reporting… Northumberland County Judge Hugh Jones approved a request by county commissioners to raise property taxes from 25 to 30 mills, following a Thursday hearing.
Commissioner Joe Klebon said the tax hike, expected to generate $3.5 million annually, was necessary to avoid drastic service cuts. Controller Chris Grayson testified that property taxes account for 70% of the county’s revenue, funding critical departments like the sheriff, prison staff, and prothonotary.
Grayson noted that the county operates with an $84.2 million budget but faces rising costs, particularly for salaries, prison operations, and health insurance, projected at $7.3 million for 2025. He estimated expenses would increase by $1 million annually.
Northumberland County’s workforce has declined significantly, from 704 employees in 2020 to about 471 today, Grayson said. Commissioners tentatively approved a $91.36 million budget for 2025 and will hold a special meeting Dec. 24 to consider its adoption.
