Wayne making severe cuts

It could get worse if state doesn’t pass a budget

By TOM KANE

HONESDALE, PA – Beginning on September 7, Wayne County will initiate several reductions and restrictions in order to make up for the lack of a state budget.

The county will reduce operations by one-half hour each day in all county buildings.

“These temporary measures will remain in effect until the passage of the state budget,” said Brian Smith, chairman of the commissioners.

The Courthouse, Dimmock building, Park Street Complex, Drug and Alcohol Department and the Office of the Aging buildings will be open for public business at 9:00 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. The recycling center will delay operations until 7:30 a.m. each day and the Hamlin, Honesdale and Hawley Senior Centers will close at 2:00 p.m.

Also, pending further communications from Harrisburg, the Medical Assistance Transportation will be restricted to the most critical cases and the September food pantry distributions will see a reduction of close to 50 percent of normal levels.

“If no further movement in the Commonwealth budgetary situation occurs by October 1, 2009, voluntary and involuntary lay-offs as well as further reductions in county services will be effected,” Smith said.

Even further reductions in operating hours and service levels may occur in November as the county continues to evaluate the effects of the situation in Harrisburg, he said.

The county commissioners have agreed to a seven percent reduction in their salaries.

These kinds of actions are being taken by every county in the state, Smith said. “Columbia County has decided to limit the work week of employees to four days a week. Other counties are enforcing lay-offs and furloughs. We have not elected to take that drastic a measure since it would mean a 20 percent cut in the salaries of all employees.

“We will need to pay for essential mandated services that are usually funded by the state out of the general fund,” Smith said. “It upsets us deeply to have to make these kinds of cuts.”

“In the current budget there are no funds for children and youth services but there is funding for aging and for early intervention,” said Commissioner Wendell Kay. “It is totally irresponsible for our legislators in Harrisburg to allow it to come to this.”

“We are attempting to maintain the most important core services for our residents,” said Commissioner Tony Herzog. “We will take even more drastic measures if the legislature doesn’t act.”