Dauphin County Administration Building
Dauphin County recently announced its proposed budget for the new year, which includes investments in its workforce, according to officials.
The county proposed a $221.6 million 2023 general fund budget, a significant decrease from last year’s $278.5 million budget.
There is no proposed property tax increase and the county millage rate would remain at 6.88 mills. This is the 18th straight year with no county tax increase, according to the commissioners.
“Holding the line on taxes gets harder with each passing year, as the costs of goods and services continue to rise,” commissioner Chair Mike Pries said in a statement. “This budget proposal truly involved a team effort that we are proud of.”
The proposal includes salary hikes for all union contract employees. Salary increases for non-union employees are 2.95%.
Several million dollars of the proposed budget are also allocated for payments related to disposal costs at the Harrisburg incinerator and the county guarantee on the Harrisburg Parking Authority debt payments.
According to a statement by the county, staffing and employee retention remains a challenge. Additionally, unfunded mandates, such as those from the state for running elections, have been burdensome and the cost of materials is high, the county said.
“It is becoming much more expensive to operate in government,” said commissioner George Hartwick. “We will continue to be mindful of ways to use non-taxpayer resources so to minimize financial stress on our residents.”
The proposed 2023 Dauphin County budget is available to view, here, and at the Dauphin County Administration Building at 2 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg.
The county commissioners will vote on the budget at their Dec. 14 public meeting.
Harrisburg also recently announced its proposed 2023 budget, which includes no property tax increase. The $74.9 million proposed general fund budget is one that city officials say is the lowest budget in several years.
For more information on Dauphin County’s proposed 2023 budget, visit their website.
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