The Snyder County Board of Commissioners adopted the final 2025 budget, which totals $20,821,440. This figure is a reduction from the preliminary budget of $21,385,445, as the Board works to address a projected deficit and maintain the County’s financial stability.
The initial budget had forecast a deficit of $1,755,019. To balance the budget, the Board has implemented a combination of cost-saving measures and a 2-mill tax increase, which represents a 9% increase and is expected to generate approximately $880,000 in additional revenue annually. The Commissioners eliminated the $5.00 per capita tax in 2021. This is the first County real estate tax increase since 2016, resulting in an average annual cost of $50 for taxpayers with an assessed value of $25,000.
The decision to raise taxes was not made lightly. The Board recognizes the impact on residents, and the increase is part of a broader effort to address the County’s financial needs while managing rising costs. The economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, including inflation and increased expenses, particularly in medical care and food for the County Prison, has contributed to the budgetary challenges. These rising costs led to the closure of the prison in summer 2024.
To offset some of these challenges, the County has repurposed the former prison into a booking center, which is expected to reduce operating costs by $1,529,770 in 2025. Additional savings are anticipated from restructuring the department, with reductions in employee-related costs, such as health insurance and pension contributions. These measures are designed to help balance the budget and provide some fiscal flexibility.
The County has also faced additional expenses due to an arbitration decision for the Teamsters Local 764 – Correctional Officers, resulting in retroactive compensation costs of $416,732 and future compensation increases of approximately $34,000. To cover this, the Board will draw $24,869 from the County’s reserves to balance the budget.
In addition to these adjustments, the 2025 budget includes several capital projects, funded partially or entirely through federal and state grants, to improve the County’s infrastructure and services:
- $325,000 for architectural remodeling of the EMA/Planning Building to improve handicapped accessibility
- $425,000 for HVAC upgrades at the Courthouse
- $599,000 for the west-side development of Faylor Lake, including horse trails, a pavilion, and kayak launches
These projects will only move forward if the outside grant funding can be committed and utilized.
The Board of Commissioners emphasizes that the 2025 budget reflects necessary adjustments and difficult decisions aimed at ensuring the County remains financially stable while still meeting the needs of the community. The Board understands the impact of these changes and remains committed to addressing the County’s challenges responsibly.
