Potter County is moving to expand 24/7 fire coverage and increase incentives for sheriff’s deputies under a proposed budget that also carries a 4.7% property-tax hike. County leaders say the spending is needed to shore up public safety amid staffing shortages, though it will cost the average homeowner about $37 more per year.
The budget sets a tax rate of $0.59024 per $100 valuation — $0.54946 for maintenance and operations and $0.04078 for debt service — with a final vote scheduled for Sept. 22. Commissioners also raised the countywide cost-of-living adjustment from 2% to 3%.
Fire department: staffing added, remodel delayed
Assistant Fire Chief Richard Lake said the department continues to miss NFPA 1720 benchmarks and relies too heavily on volunteers and overtime. He pointed to an Aug. 25 structure fire where an off-duty accident sidelined three responders, forcing a delayed interior attack under safety rules.
Commissioners agreed to fund six new firefighter positions and a Fire Marshal at captain pay from the county’s capital fund. The additions will allow Stations 3 and 5 to operate around the clock and help the county comply with new state inspection mandates…