Cambria County Looking to Cut Spending After Controversial Tax Hike

In a direct response to fierce public outcry over a recent tax increase, Cambria County commissioners are taking a hard line on internal spending.

The first target is employee travel for conferences and training, a move officials say is about fiscal responsibility after hitting homeowners' wallets.

The decision comes just weeks after the commissioners approved a contentious 6.75-mill property tax increase.

That tax hike means the average homeowner in Cambria County will see their bill go up by about $72 next year, a measure that sparked considerable backlash from residents and local groups.

During budget meetings, residents repeatedly urged officials to find savings rather than raise taxes.

It appears the commissioners were listening to the criticism.

President Commissioner Scott Hunt announced a new directive requiring all travel for county employees to be reviewed and approved personally by the commissioners.

Travel will only be greenlit if it is deemed absolutely necessary.

"Like we've said the last few weeks, we're just tightening the belt and this was another way to do it," Hunt stated, acknowledging the need for stricter controls.

He noted that while some county departments have voluntarily reduced travel costs in recent years, others have not, making a uniform policy essential.

"We did feel that the directive was necessary so that everyone's on the same level," Hunt added.

The new policy strongly encourages the use of in-county or online training options as alternatives to expensive out-of-town trips.

While Hunt expects the measure to generate savings, the exact amount remains unclear.

The spending cuts follow a heated budget approval process where the tax increase passed by a narrow 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Tom Chernisky dissenting.

This new focus on cutting costs is a clear attempt to rebuild public trust.

Organizations like the Cambria County Farm Bureau were particularly vocal in their opposition, arguing the tax increase placed an unfair burden on local farmers and landowners.

For many residents, the travel restrictions are a welcome, if overdue, first step.

The question now is whether these cuts will be enough to appease a community feeling the financial pressure of the county's decisions.

FAQ About Cambria County's Budget

Why did Cambria County raise property taxes?

Commissioners cited a gap between falling tax revenues and rising costs due to inflation as the primary reason for the 6.75-mill tax increase for the 2026 budget.

How are Cambria County officials cutting spending now?

They are starting by implementing a stricter travel policy for all county employees, requiring commissioner approval for any out-of-county training or conferences to ensure it's essential.

Who voted for the tax increase?

President Commissioner Scott Hunt and Commissioner Keith Rager voted in favor of the budget that included the tax increase, while Commissioner Tom Chernisky voted against it.