Published: August 26, 2008 08:06 am            

READERS' FORUM 8/27 | County finances not easy to balance

I read with interest the article regarding Cambria County’s financial woes (“Controller warns of red ink; but county officials disagree on problem’s severity,” Aug. 21). Having worked in the controller’s office for 10 years, I know firsthand how hard it can be to balance the cash flow of the county.

There is a county home that, at times, is impossible to operate within the budget.

Years ago, when there was talk of selling the home, there was an uproar by many residents of Cambria County. The nursing home will not always be profitable, nor will it always break even. At the same time, it will not always lose money.

The county must also advance funds to the human services agencies that it does not recoup until, in some cases, six months down the road. In the case of children and youth, this could amount to as much as $2 million to $3 million in December.

I think the county would be better served if the commissioners’ office and the controller’s office worked closely together for the benefit of the county.

This problem arises in many counties where the controller reaches beyond his or her legal authority. There is nothing illegal or improper about borrowing money from an agency that receives its grant money in advance of its expenditures, so why not just let it happen? The bottom line is not letting vendors or county employees wait for their money. This puts an unfair burden on them.

Joe Crisi

Windber



DUI crashes show more work is needed

As a MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) representative, I am very concerned with the increase in DUI crashes and fatalities that have been occurring in Cambria County.

If you are a victim of a DUI and would like assistance, please call MADD. We are always available to help.

Our mission is to stop drunken driving, support victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

Due to the startling number of DUI crashes in the county, I encourage the community to work together and increase public awareness of this serious situation.

If you’re aware of underage drinking or notice unsafe driving, please report it. If your establishment serves liquor, please do so responsibly. These simple steps can make a huge impact. Some have already taken the initiative to address the issue.

I would like to commend law enforcement officers for the excellent job being done in DUI enforcement and for the lives being saved. Your dedication and hard work are very much appreciated as well as needed.

Evelyn McKee

MADD

Bellefonte, Centre County



Homestead rebates mathematically wrong

In looking over this year’s tax forms, my wife and I noticed a discrepancy in the way the Homestead Act Rebate is being applied. Basically, it amounts to giving a 2 percent penalty to those who pay early and a 10 percent discount to those who pay late. This is very unfair. Those who pay early should get the extra 2 percent discount on the Homestead rebate as well, meaning that the total discounted should be more than the face value discount, not less. Those who pay late should get the extra 10 percent penalty as well, meaning that the total discounted should be less that the face value discount, not more.

Either the discounted bill should have a larger rebate than the face-value discount and the penalty bill should have a smaller rebate, or the face-value discount should apply across the board.

We wrote to ask those who calculate this tax to change the way the rebate is calculated. We received a reply from Paulette Baker, tax collector, who agrees with our analysis. She also sent a copy to the Central Cambria School District superintendent and business manager.

We forwarded a copy of this letter to state Sen. John N. Wozniak, D-Westmont, and to state Rep. Tom Yewcic, D-Jackson Township. Wozniak said he would investigate and keep us apprised of his findings.

We urge others to write to their legislators so this matter can be resolved. You can find your representative at www.legis.state.pa.us.

Herbert A. Jr. and Linda L. Wilson

Mundys Corner



Jazz band’s talents are incomparable

Jazz in Your Face is a treasure in a town that sometimes has to strain to identify truly outstanding assets. The big band has been playing at various venues this summer, usually free to the public. (It was the closing act for the summer concerts in Central Park sponsored by Johnstown Magazine and Somerset Trust.)

The musicians’ talent is obvious and infectious, but part of their greatness is a tradition that teams old pros with younger prodigies. The sheer size of the ensemble and its sound are astounding.

You’d have to go far to find a band as good as this one.

George Fattman

Westmont

        

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