Erie County approves $36.6M budget

PERKINS TWP. — No matter the project, every single cent committed in 2023 by Erie County commissioners aims to improve the lives for anyone residing, visiting or doing business in this area. During Monday's public meeting, county commissioners approved a $36.6 million general fund or everyday operating budget. It's an account funding some of the most important services — such as law enforcement, judicial and other operations overseen by elected officials — provided by Erie County. It also covers salaries for roughly 250 workers. The number comes in just under what Erie County spent in 2022, a record $37.5 million, but tops the 2021 figure, $33.9 million. It also represents one large chunk in Erie County's overall financial picture, which totals about $152 million in 2023. This larger account encompasses every single facet of country operations, helping out a wide range of people, especially: • The young, such as children services and juvenile court operations • The old, such as The Meadows at Osborn Park, Erie County's publicly run nursing home • Everyone else in between, such as public defender and prosecutor services Surging sales tax Commissioners pointed to strong sales tax figures, a record $20.8 million in 2022, as the reason why these numbers in 2023 were budgeted so high. Sales tax represents the largest income source for Erie County's general fund, helping to cover services provided by local officials. Throughout 2022, "People flocked to Erie County in droves for the numerous tourist activities the county has to offer," county administrator Hank Solowiej said. "Hotels, amusement parks and water parks were all extremely busy. In addition, Sports Force continues to attract a huge amount of visitors year-round for both indoor and outdoor sporting events." In Erie County, the sales tax rate equals 6.75%. It's among the lowest rates when compared to Ohio's 88 counties. Receiving a larger-than-expected share makes the jobs of commissioners, who determine how these funds get spent, much easier. Though there's some reason for caution, as commissioner Matt Old explains. "While we have seen record-breaking sales tax numbers, we know this won't last," said Old, citing the U.S. economy's uncertainty and some experts predicting significant downturns. "I will work to ensure this money gets spent on one-time capital projects and does not go to growing the size of the county government. We can't go back to the wasteful spending of years past." Pat Shenigo, Old's commission colleague, agreed. "I find it hard to believe that record sales tax revenues can continue at the same levels we have experienced the last several years," Shenigo said. He made a promise to area residents. "We will continue to be good stewards of taxpayers' dollars," Shenigo said. "While revenues have drastically increased so have our expenses." Other budget notes Erie County commissioners also intend to: • Bolster buildings: Shenigo listed off several projects he'd like the county to undertake in 2023. For starters, he's focused on upgrading some older structures. "Most buildings — like the jail, the courthouse and job and family services — are approaching 40 years old and are in dire need of upkeep of technical systems." • Improve infrastructure: Commissioners want to upgrade various landfill, sewer and water operations. Officials have projects in mind and should finalize them later this year. "With these additional resources we have received, we will continue to invest in our aging water and sewer utilities and replace mechanical systems throughout the county," Shenigo said. • Digging into the debt: As of today, Erie County's debt totals about $48.5 million. It's the lowest amount owed since 2001, $47 million, and marks a 57% decrease compared to when county debt peaked at $116 million in 2008. Paying down debt ranks among Shenigo's top priorities: "We are continuing to pay off debt as it matures, but, more importantly, we continue to spend wisely on new infrastructure and only after careful cost-benefit analysis warrants."