Saving sells, but no one's buying
By James Moate News Assistant

Cameron County's plan to blaze new trails in local government heads toward a day of reckoning next month with little sign of consensus.

A public meeting on the consolidation/home rule charter issue last Thursday covered plenty of ground, but solicited little input from the citizenry. Township and borough leaders will gather on July 30 at the courthouse to decide whether to put the issue to the voters in the November election.

If they do so, Cameron could become the first eighth-class county in Pennsylvania to so radically alter its local government.

Speaking to a less-than-half-full courtroom, consultant Alan Kugler detailed the possible financial implications of dissolving Cameron County's townships and boroughs to form a single government with countywide jurisdiction.

Kugler emphasized that it would not be a quick fix to solve the county's deepening fiscal woes. However, with proper management, the plan could produce economic benefits.

He forecasted an overall annual savings of roughly $500,000 through lower real estate taxes and elimination or reduction of other taxes, with the savings spread throughout the county.

"This needs to be taken very seriously," Kugler said. "It's a way to gain greater control of your county government . . . To not have it on the ballot means it cannot happen."

Commissioner Tony Moscato, whose term expires in December, said the current board and its predecessors have "squeezed a dollar very hard" to keep the county afloat financially. Even so, real estate taxes have increased to the state maximum of 25 mills.

"We're not doing this for fun; we recognize that something needs to change in Cameron County," Moscato said. "...we would become a model for the entire state."

One factor in the worsening financial condition is a steady decline in Cameron County's population.

"By census estimates we're at 5,500 people, (compared

to 5,974 in 2000)," said

Moscato.

Touching on a sensitive topic,

Moscato pointed out

that another factor in rising expenses for the county government is an epidemic of drug abuse.

Commissioner Pat Rodgers, who will also leave office in December, added that an increase in the number of juveniles involved with the county's justice system also boosts expenses.

Rodgers also pointed out that the county and governments, with 32 elected officials, are "overstaffed."

"We can eliminate duplication and cut costs," he pointed out,.

Commissioner Glenn Fiebig, who is seeking another fouryear term, lamented the state-imposed expenses that add to counties' financial burdens.

"State mandates have killed small counties," Fiebig said.

He also made it clear that he doesn't want to force consolidation on county citizens. "I will never tell you to change your government - that is for you to decide."

Citizens attending Thursday's meeting fired a variety of questions at Kugler and the three commissioners. Among the concerns that were raised was the impact consolidation might have on police protection throughout the county.

The issue of real estate tax fairness was aired, with Commissioner Moscato stating that the county should undergo an entire reassessment to correct inequities and update property valuations.

Some expressed skepticism about the ability of one person to handle the tax collection duties currently performed by seven local collectors in the county.

Joel Caldwell, owner of the Emporium Pharmacy and Subway businesses at the county seat, said there were some strong arguments in favor of the new form of government.

"I think it would be easier to accommodate (the citizens)," Caldwell said. "I see some benefit in a single government."

The blueprint calls for a county manager position and ninemember countywide council. The elected offices of county commissioner, township supervisor, borough council member, mayor, tax collector, county auditor, borough and township auditor and jury commissioner would all be eliminated.

These current jobs would continue to be filled by countywide voters: coroner, district attorney, prothonotary/ clerk of courts, register of wills/recorder of deeds, sheriff and treasurer. The following would be appointed: chief assessor, clerk for the governing body, police chief and director of public works.

The Monday, July 30, meeting starts at 6:30 and will be open to the public. It will be conducted by commissioners, in conjunction with Emporium and Driftwood borough councils, and the board of supervisors from each of Cameron County's five townships: Gibson, Grove, Lumber, Portage and Shippen.

If all seven groups agree to let voters decide on consolidation, the question will be placed on the November ballot and, if passed, the new from of government could take effect as early as 2010.