No new taxes in Lawrence, but salaries will go up

NEW CASTLE, Pa.

Lawrence County commissioners unanimously adopted a 2011 budget Tuesday that keeps property taxes the same and reduces expenditures 1.8 percent from 2010 even though it gives employees a 3 percent raise.

Commissioners do not expect layoffs in the new year, but Commissioner Richard DeBlasio noted that county’s budget largely depends on Governor-elect Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget, which will be unveiled at the end of February.

Lawrence County Chief Deputy Controller Dave Prestopine told commissioners at their meeting Tuesday that the county will finish 2010 comfortably.

DiBlasio announced, however, that since the budget was proposed, the county has received final word that the 2010 salary increase for elected officials will be 1.5 percent, based on the 2010 Consumer Price Index.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.