A frequent visitor to the County Commissioner’s Meetings is a Jersey Shore resident by the name of Todd Lauer. Mr. Lauer serves in the capacity of a self-appointed community conscience, often asking the commissioners questions about the validity of various expenditures or contracts. But at one recent meeting, he criticized the general public. He openly wondered why last spring the commissioners’ meetings were packed when the discussion revolved around a five-dollar increase to car registrations, but at a time when a $100 million budget is being discussed, crickets could be heard in the room.

Expect the crickets to be drowned out soon. The county’s proposed 2018 Annual Budget calls for $97,317,265 in revenues, and $102,545,089 in expenditures. This amounts to a budget deficit of $5,227,824. The good news is that this is a smaller deficit than last year. The bad news is that it requires a tax increase to produce that smaller deficit.

So what in the world does the county do that adds up to 100 million dollars? The most significant chunk of money is devoted to “public works,” which accounts for over a quarter of the budget. This category includes the county landfill but also applies to all the operation and maintenance related to the county’s three large buildings located in downtown Williamsport, the two in Montoursville at the Lysock Complex and one on Route 405. These buildings support the 535 employees who account for another quarter of the budget in general administration and human services.

A portion of the budget could be attributed to supporting a good quality of life for the residents of Lycoming County. There are many well-functioning departments that provide for our veterans, voting services, conservation programs, public safety, etc. In comparison to other counties in the Commonwealth, Lycoming County has been consistently recognized as a model for efficient operations and fiscal responsibility in operating these services.

But can we manage with fewer people to do all these services? Commissioner Rick Mirabito has suggested that each department consider downsizing by two employees each. The argument Mirabito makes, and it is indeed a valid one, is that this action would not only bring the budget more in alignment, but it would also help future budgets and legacy costs, which bear a continuous burden to the county. The proposal is actively being considered with various meetings among the staff and department heads. Yet, as several county employees have confided in me, it has not been a favorite topic and morale has been lower than it has been in a long time.

As hard as the county commissioners are endeavoring to solve the budget problem, the reality is that there are spiraling costs that are beyond the county’s ability to manage — those related to crime and family dysfunction. Adding up the figures for the court system, probation department, and prison services comes up to $19 million, and if the District Attorney and the Narcotics Enforcement Unit and D.U.I. Program associated with the DA’s office are added, it adds another $2 million. The Children and Youth Department, which cares for children that are removed from their parents costs $10 million. Adding this up comes to $31 million — a huge chunk of the county’s budget.

So while it is easy to join Mr. Lauer’s call to complain about the size of the county budget and the subsequent tax increases, the sad truth of the matter is that we all bear some responsibility for these spiraling costs. Not so many years ago, families were more stable, and crime was not the new normal. To channel John Lennon for a moment, imagine if everyone took on a responsibility to help a relative or neighbor who might be struggling with drugs, alcohol, or family issues? Instead of gossiping about a troubled neighbor or relative, try to refer them to someone who could help them. As the saying goes, instead of cursing the darkness, try lighting a candle.