Among the many tasks pressing on businesses in December is preparing a budget for 2022. Venango County, under the leadership of our three elected commissioners, is one of the largest employers in the county, with a budget in excess of 60 million dollars. Preparation and oversight of the annual budget is the primary responsibility of the commissioners. Chamber President Susan Williams sat down with Commissioner Sam Breene to talk about how the County is doing.

Sam explains that it is the responsibility of the commissioners to approve the budget, appropriate the funds, and oversee the execution of all County spending. Much of the County’s spending is dictated by the state or by County code. Additionally, large portions of the budget are allocated to specific functions, such as human services and payroll/benefits of County staff. A portion of the budget is available for discretionary spending, but even that is largely committed to services including the Venango County prison, emergency services (including 911), and the administration of County row offices.

Breene is quick to give credit to Diona Brick, the County’s Administrator of Finance and Management Services, for her role in advising and informing the commissioners on all fiscal matters. He is also willing to credit the legacy of good decision making by past commissioners in safeguarding the financial health of the County.

Sam shares that he is extremely confident in the present and future state of Venango County, considering that it holds zero debt, has a fully funded pension, and has not had a tax increase since 2013.

When pressed to reflect on his state of hopefulness for the County’s future, Sam remarks: “We have broad goals for building reliable broadband and robust infrastructure, and continuing to be an area that attracts visitors, future businesses, and residents to our county. Our role as commissioners is to continue to shepherd all resources and navigate any barriers to the success of Venango County.”

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s December 2021 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.