Early 2012 Budget Numbers from Montco Commissioners

The Montgomery County Commissioners met Wednesday at One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown, discussing the proposed county budget for 2012—which includes a $44,424,664 shortfall.

Look for a full story by Thursday morning, but the following estimates constitute some of the preliminary numbers the commissioners were discussing at midday.

2012 Budget Reductions

Shortfall – $44,424,664

1. No Pay Increase – $4,200,000

2. Reduce or Eliminate Appropriation Funding:

• Library – $2,361,000
• College – $2,500,000
• Legal Aid – $288,800
• Norristown – $266,300
•  – $114,000
• Mass Transit – $307,000
• All Others – $469,950

* The appropriation changes to Norristown, the library and Elmwood Park Zoo represent total eliminations.

3. Reduce Department Budgets to 2011 Levels with Exceptions – $7,922,587

4. Reduce Department Budgets 15% from 2011 Levels with Exceptions – $16,594,508

5. Eliminate or Downsize County Departments:

• Eliminate Parks – $5,146,546
• Eliminate Planning Commission – $2,554,143
• Reduce Child Care Dependent Request – $610,000
• Reduce  Security & Sheriff's Department – $1,000,000
• Recycling Fund – $89,830

Other Options

1. Tax Increase – .77 mills. A 28.6% increase (about $130 for the average homeowner.)

2. Decrease Ending Fund Balance

3. One Day Furloughs – $425,000

Check back with Patch later for more coverage of the commissioners' meeting and updates on where the proposed 2012 budget is going.