SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. --

The Somerset County commissioners said they are not considering a tax increase for 2012.

Commissioners said that despite budget challenges, they are not increasing taxes because of the impact county residents have suffered due to the economic downturn.

The county's projected budget of nearly $40 million reflects a 0.3 percent increase in spending, which will be covered by using $1.8 million of the counties reserves -- something most counties don't have to fall back on.


The commissioners said economic factors have impacted expenses and revenue, and the financial burden of operating various mandated programs has placed an unprecedented demand on the county, especially when federal and state funding is declining rapidly.


"The true challenge for Somerset County's budget and for every county across the commonwealth is meeting the day-to-day challenges that we're going to continue to see with the continuing decline in federal and state revenue," said Commissioner Pamela Tokar Ickes.

Officials said what used to be a heavy reliance on state reserves and federal stimulus dollars doesn't exist, and with the looming costs for transportation and pension obligations, commissioner said they're bracing for difficult years to come.