Three district judges have moved from leased offices to buildings that the county owns. Do you believe the county should continue its initiative to purchase, rather than lease, district judge offices? Is that a prudent fiscal move? Why? How does this fit into your view of the proper fiscal management of the county?
Steve Chronister (Republican): I proposed the idea of diverting county taxpayer dollars from leasing these properties, which would continue for an indefinite period of time, to a specific amount of time. The comparision would be to purchasing your home or choosing to rent long term. I wish most county fiscal decisions could be this easy.
Ned Grove (Democrat): I do feel it is a smart move to purchase building for district judges offices whenever possible. Over a period of time, this would start to save York County money. The building that would be purchased would go up in value over time. Then, if we did have to sell any of them for any reason, the county would make a profit. It is just smart business to purchase than to rent. In the past the county has always rented; just think where we would be if 30 years ago the county would have purchased the building. Now all we have to show for them is a pile of rent receipts. But we cannot purchase building at an inflated price. It has to be at fair market value.
Doug Hoke (Democrat): Because York County must provide district justice offices throughout the community for an
Chris Reilly (Republican): I would support the purchase of buildings for district justices rather than leasing them. I believe it is a prudent fiscal move in that the county could make improvements to the buildings over time or sell them if they no longer adequately meet the demands of that particular district. Obviously the buildings become a county-owned asset and would most likely appreciate in value.
Question 2:
A task force recently presented a business plan for a new countywide health department. Under that plan, the department would have an annual budget of $5.4 million and 53 employees. After three years, York County taxpayers would pay about $888,000 annually for the department; about half of that amount is already budgeted for existing services. What do you think about the concept of the county having its own health department? Would you vote in favor it? Why or why not? How does this fit into your idea of balancing a need for services with fiscal responsibility?
Chronister: I will not support establishing a countywide health department for two reasons. York City is already providing this service and the state of Pennsylvania maintains a satellite office on Route 30 in York County with four field representatives, as presented in a public presentation. I see no compelling reason, at least at this time, to add another county agency
Grove: I would like to review a current county budget before committing the county, and ultimately the taxpayers, to fund a project of that size and magnitude. Even the most noble government initiative still requires funding. Instead of requiring the taxpayers to foot the bill for such a large expense, it would benefit any commissioner to thoroughly analyze what are the current expenditures and how those expenditures might be modified to free up financing for the future projects.
Hoke: I am open to exploring the possibility of having a county health department. However, to date I have not been presented with the task force report, identifying the needs and associated business plan. If a department can be justified without adding another layer of bureaucracy to the system, it should be considered. Balancing the need for service with the fiscal consequences to our taxpayers will be a priority in my review.
Reilly: I do not support the creation of a county health department at this time. York City has such a department and the state Department of Health has a satellite office located on Rt. 30. Under the current proposal it would automatically become one of the largest and most expensive county departments. I would like to see private health care-industry organizations lead this initiative and would consider a county donation of in-kind support, such as office space or staffing, if the private sector accepts a leadership role. County government needs to return to its core functions, not offer largely redundant services through bureaucratic expansion.
Question 3:
York County will spend millions in discretionary, or special interest, funding this year. The York County Library System is the biggest beneficiary, getting a budgeted $2.4 million. The current commissioners also budgeted $165,000 for grants meant to foster municipal cooperation, $75,000 to the South George Street Community Partnership, $410,000 to Rabbit Transit, $30,000 to the York County SPCA and $5,000 to the York County Honors Choir. Hundreds of thousands more went to other organizations (a more complete list can be found at http://www.york-county.org/misc/2007GeneralFundSummary.htm). If elected, what changes, if any, would you make to those funding levels? Which specific line items would you change, and how? If you would choose to continue with special-interest funding, which organizations or types of organizations would you favor or disfavor most?
Chronister: The most difficult decision when organizations request money from the county taxpayers' discretionary fund, is how do you pick and choose who receives the money. This fund has grown over the years, and my question is: How much can we or should we spend using tax dollars? Although I have been open and sensitive to past practices, I believe the next board of commissioners must focus on this large line item in the county budget, politically sensitive or not.
Grove: As of right now, I have not seen the budget. But most of the programs have merit. As a new commissioner I would look at them all to see what can be done because I want to reduce the taxes on everyone in York County. I would never accept a position on any board that the county gives money to; that is a conflict of interest. You cannot serve on a board that wants money from the county and then make the decision to give them money.
Hoke: It is difficult to determine the appropriateness of funding levels for specific programs/services without having the necessary information to evaluate each request. I will review each proposal for funding carefully, balancing the merits of the program/service to the county versus the cost to the taxpayer. I do believe it is very important to provide programs/services that enhance the quality of life for our citizens at a cost we can be proud of.
Reilly: I will have to review the 2008 budget being prepared by the current board before making any decisions regarding future discretionary funding. During my previous terms as commissioner, we made decisions on discretionary appropriations on a year-to-year, case-by-case basis. The Intermunicipal Cooperation Fund, York County Economic Development Corp., York County Library System and Farmland Preservation program are four specific entities I would like to maintain (and perhaps increase) current funding levels for if the county s fiscal situation is favorable.
Question 4
The county's Board of Assessment Appeals this summer notified commissioners that another reassessment of property in York County is warranted. The notification came because figures released by the state show property sold for an average of almost 25 percent more than assessed value last year. The last reassessment ended in 2005, and the values were used for the first time to determine property taxes last year. Another reassessment is estimated to cost $2 million. If the current York County Commissioners decide not to pursue another reassessment, will you? Why or why not?
Chronister: When the common-level ratio falls below 85 percent, the state of Pennsylvania notifies the York County Board of Assessment & Appeals. York County is currently at 76 percent of fair market value. Reassessments are the only way our system allows for equalization. In Delaware, there hasn t been a reassessment in over 30 years. You have properties assessed at $50,000 that have a market value of $100,000 and others assessed at $100,000 that are worth $1.5 million. This is an example of why reassessments must occur. The question isn t if, it is when? Property values have dropped in the past year which means the ratio may have on its own, narrowed. I would like to review this next year and see where we are. One hundred percent property tax relief is the best way to solve the reassessment process.
Grove: I do not agree with the assessment. I feel it should stay every 10 years. There are too many seniors and people on fixed incomes to have their taxes go up so soon. When I am elected, I would never vote to change it.
Hoke: First, let me state my dissatisfaction with our current system of taxation. I believe taxing people based on the value of their home/land is unfair, outdated and inappropriate. I will be a loud and strong voice, advocating that our state Legislature completely abolish property taxes and institute a more equitable system of taxation. If Harrisburg does the right thing, we will rid ourselves of unfair property taxes and costly county reassessments. Only then will our financially strapped seniors and families be able to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. Because property values appear to have stabilized or declined recently, I do not believe the county needs to conduct another $2 million reassessment at this time.
Reilly: I am leaning against a reassessment of property in 2008. Given the recent volatility in the housing market, I believe the next board would be wise to delay reassessment until economic trends improve. I don t think the housing sale figures will increase dramatically in the coming year. They are more likely to drop.
Question 5
The real estate taxes levied by York County have increased in each of the last three years. Commissioners approved tax increases of 7.4 percent in 2005, 4.4 percent in 2006 and 2.9 percent and 2007. What does say about the fiscal management of the county during that time span? Has the county spent too much money? If elected, specifically which areas of county government would you target to stop increases in the future? Are there specific departments that are overstaffed or need better management?
Chronister: I voted "no" to the 2005 tax increase of 7.4 percent, no to the 2006 4.4 percent, and in 2007 I would not agree to go above 3.3 percent. We must look at ways to reduce our special allocation fund without putting any hardship on any one group. I want to be in the lead to reduce the size of our county government, by cross-training and integrating services. The largest expense to taxpayers is 79 percent of our budget of $161 million spent on crime after it happens. The least expensive part of crime is when the arrest is made. It is after the arrest when we start paying. I will look for every way to subsidize my crime program without any more increases to the taxpayers of this county. What happens if we do nothing? You will continue to watch crime grow out of control right along with your money.
Grove: I feel that a commission must come up with new ways for York County to make money. It always seems like they say "let's do this and raise taxes." We must stop spending and cut the size of county government wherever we can. We need to stop hiring and move people around to different departments whenever we can to get the size of the employees down.
Hoke: The best strategy to stave off further tax increases is to have a prudent, disciplined, conservative approach to fiscal management. I believe that my background in public finance and small business uniquely qualifies me to achieve this and make sure we get the most we can out of every dollar of tax revenue. Previous boards have often too quickly acted to expand county government's role outside its core mission without enough consideration of what effect these additional expenses would have on the county's ability to adequately fund its existing vital services. Throughout this campaign, I've discussed my vision for county government providing services we can be proud of at a cost we can live with. To that end, my approach will not be to simply cut funding first and ask questions later. Instead, I will challenge department heads to look for ways to improve efficiency within their areas.
Reilly: Three consecutive years of tax increases is unprecedented in county government history. Holding the line on, or reducing, taxes and cutting county government spending will be my number one priority if elected. I will undertake a thorough review of county government operations upon taking office to determine where cuts can be made. Since I left office in 2003, the county millage rate has almost doubled and more than 100 new employees have been added to the county payroll. That growth rate in the county budget is unacceptable. I have a proven track record as a fiscal conservative. I was a member of the last board of commissioners that both cut taxes and reduced county government payroll. I will work to restore common-sense fiscal conservatism to the commissioners' office.
Question 6
Voters will be able to select two candidates in the upcoming county commissioner election. What qualities or background do you possess that make you qualified to be a county commissioner? Why should a voter choose you?
Chronister: I have experience -- over 20 years in business, 12 years as a West Manchester Township supervisor and almost four years as your county commissioner. I have voted against tax increases 14 out of 15 years as a local elected official. I am proud of my York County roots - with a father who worked 14 hours a day and a mother that stayed home to raise her four children. I graduated from York Catholic High School - the extent of my formal education. The values my parents instilled in me have inspired me to do the right things in life. They gave me my independence, and then they held their breath. I decided to run for county commissioner because I knew I would make a difference. I believe I have. The next four years I will continue to listen and work for the majority of our residents, not just special interests.
Grove: I have always worked hard at whatever I did. I worked for GTE for 30 years, and many weeks I worked more than 40 hours. You have to work full time and maybe a lot more when you serve the public. I will be there no matter how many hours it takes. Two of the present commissioners think they are the only two people in York County that work hard and be there full time. I have a record of cutting taxes as mayor of Dallastown. I will do the same for York County no matter how long my week lasts. So far every program that I have come up with I have a way to pay for. One other commissioner has come up with one that he has no idea how to pay for, and the other two have no ideas at all. I feel I am the best choice.
Hoke: I have over 20 years of experience in public finance and small business, which I will use to bring a common-sense, good-business approach to York County government. My experience has also taught me the value of teamwork, and I will use that experience to bring local governments together and encourage regional planning so that high population growth doesn't destroy York's quality of life. I believe government spending must be prudent and wise. Like most taxpayers, I've seen my property tax bills increase, and now I want to do something about it. As commissioner, I will fight to provide services we can be proud of at a cost we can live with.
Reilly: York County residents concerned about the fiscal state of county government should vote for me because I have a proven record of protecting taxpayer interests. I want to stimulate economic growth by holding the line on, or reducing, the tax burden on York County families. We've had three consecutive years of county tax hikes. I was a member of the last board of commissioners to cut taxes. My fiscally conservative approach to government will allow York County residents to keep and spend more of their hard-earned wages. One way to trim taxes is reduce the size of county government. I was a member of the last board of commissioners to cut county government payroll. The next board of commissioners must lead the fight to make county government operate more efficiently. If we can control spending, primarily by streamlining and shrinking county government, we can provide our residents with tax relief.
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