Welcome to Project Blair County

The purpose of this blog is to discuss all matters pertinent to Blair County, Pennsylvania, be they economic, political, social, or cultural.

Without a doubt, the impetus for starting this blog is the recent endorsement of reassessment by County Commissioners Barry Wright and Donna Gority. They claim that reassessment is absolutely necessary for the long-term financial health of the county's government and, as a by product, will make for a fairer property tax. I am of the opinion that reassessment would be systematically and monumentally unfair and is unnecessary--like all governments at all levels, the Blair County government is too big and deserves to be reduced, thus eliminating any need for increased revenues. At a minimum, there are serious competency issues and inefficiencies that need to be addressed before dipping again ever deeper into the taxpayers' pockets.

In coming days and in coming essays, I will analyze the many issues that surround reassessment. I hope also to address many other items of interest to those of us who live in Blair County. And I will be inviting others to share their opinions. If you would like to be one of the regular contributors or have any questions or comments to send my way, please email me at zoiprof@atlanticbb.net.

Blair County Commissioners give non-union county employees a 3.5% pay raise

According to WRTA the Blair County Commissioners have decided to reverse their original decision to give non-union county employees a 2 percent pay raise in 2007. Yesterday, the Commissioners voted unanimously to give all non-union county employees a 3.5 percent pay-raise.

Blair County voters should be asking themselves why the switch? The Commissioner's have stated numerous times that they will be watching budget expenditures very closely in 2007. In December all three Commissioners emphasized the need for a county wide reassessment because of the current state of the county budget.

With this in mind, the Commissioners first major action of 2007 was to approve a 3.5% pay-raise. Is this what they meant by keeping a close eye on budget expenditures?

When Commissioners first introduced the idea of a 2% pay raise for non-union employees last month they justified the move by highlighting the need to reduce spending. Media reports at the time indicated that County Controller, Richard Peo, was upset with the Commissioner's decision. Peo publicly stated that the decision was unfair to non-union county employees. Of course Peo himself would benefit from the extra 1.5% increase.

It might of been unfair, but considering the state of the county budget in 2007 many viewed the 2% stance as a responsible move by Commissioners. Now, their decision to approve the 3.5 percent pay raise over the 2 percent increase should force Blair County voters to wonder just who is in charge? Is it County Controller Peo or is it the Board of Commissioners who just happen to be the individuals responsible for balancing the budget.

The decision to approve a 3.5 percent pay increase for non-union county employees should further upset Blair County residents who are currently frustrated by the recent Blair County property tax increases and the push for a county wide reassessment.