Blair Financial Reports Released

HOLLIDAYSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY - The Blair County Commissioners say they are getting some expert help in their efforts to deal with countys significant financial problems. Two different documents were released on Thursday. One is a review of the countys financial condition. The second is a short term action, or financial plan. The Courthouse briefing held on Thursday was is part of an effort that started back at the beginning of this year. When new commissioners Diane Meling and Terry Tomassetti took office, they wanted some expert help in reviewing the county financial situation. With a special state grant the county hired a research and consulting firm to study county operations. From a financial stand-point the firm concluded that Blair County has been running a sizable financial deficit. That conclusion would come as no surprise to anyone who has followed Blair County finances. But now these commissioners have information on which to possibly take action. As part of the short term financial plan, the county was given a long list of recommendations that could lead to an improved financial condition for the county. Those ideas were put together with a lot of input from county employees. From making better use of county staff to changing the way the countys nursing home is managed are just a few of the possibilities The Commissioners say the new reports just give them a lot more to work on. The Blair county leaders say they still have a long way to go toward putting their finances in order but with the reports released on Thursday, they say they are moving closer to that goal.