WAYNE COUNTY, PA — The 2012 budget recently approved by the Wayne County Commissioners will require no increase in taxes despite declines in funding available from the state and federal governments. The balance is achieved by cutting costs by 1.16%.

A statement the commissioners released along with the proposed budget said, “The Wayne County Commissioners acknowledge that the current economic times have made it difficult for everyone. It is our intention and responsibility to lead the county through these tough economic times while still maintaining the necessary services to the citizens of Wayne County.”

The largest expenditures in the budget are $5,817,109 for employee health benefits, $4,483,900 for Children and Youth Services, $3,385,794 for law enforcement and judicial costs and $3,287,553 for capital outlays.

Savings measures range from common sense steps like saving on electricity by turning off lights and computers when they are not being used, to allowing inmates to communicate via computer so that expensive transportation to the courthouse does not have to be arranged.

The budget can be viewed at www.co.wayne.pa.us and is also available for inspection at the Wayne County Commissioner’s office.