WELLSBORO - The Tioga County commissioners adopted a $20 million 2012 budget with no changes and no tax increase during their only December meeting Tuesday. The budget has been on display at the county courthouse for the past 20 days, as required by law.
The commissioners also adopted a resolution setting the county's tax rate at 6.75 mills, the same as it is this year.
Commissioners also adopted a resolution approving $10 million in tax exempt financing via the Tioga County Industrial Development Authority for the Laurel Health System's ongoing construction project.
Laurel Health System President Ron Butler said, "A large majority of the $10 million is for construction of same day surgery wing above the new emergency room. The remainder is for renovations in the hospital and primary care facilities in Wellsboro, and expansion of the Mansfield primary care services as well as replacement of a boiler at the Green Home."
Laurel Health has six facilities.
There will be an open house Jan. 8 for the new emergency department from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Commissioners also:
Approved the medical cost containment program, which allows the county to recoup monies from Medical Assistance for the inmates, explained Commissioner Sue Vogler.
Approved a one-year software licensing agreement for $15,000 with Dominion Voting.
Heard questions from Mainesburg resident Nick Lalic and Millerton resident John Kesich about the proposed privatization of Highland Chocolates and the Drug and Alcohol program at St. James Place in Mansfield, potential water pollution from natural gas hydrofracking and Kesich's request to have the budget made available on the Internet.
Said farewell to Commissioner Sue Vogler, who was voted out of office in the November general election. Roger Bunn will be sworn in as new commissioner during a reorganization meeting at 10 a.m. Jan. 2 at the courthouse.
