Montco Board prepares for changing of the guard

Following the election earlier this month, Montgomery County officials are preparing for the new administration to take over.  

Commissioners-elect Josh Shapiro and Leslie Richards will have an up-to-date report of every financial aspect for the county.  

“I am going to ask each department head in four pages or less an explanation of what they do in that department,” said board Chairman James Matthews. “[It needs to state] what their successes have been. What their failures have been and what their challenges are.” 

The commissioners also want commissioners-elect to participate in budget hearings next week. After their respective campaigns were finished, commissioners wanted a chance to publicly talk about the budget that consisted of a rumor of debt in the county.  

“I would like to see, no matter how painful it may be, a budget that does not require any tax increase at all and maybe options between those two proposals,” said County Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel. “I hope we can get pass the campaign rhetoric and back to work.”

Now that the commissioners are back to work, they are giving the public a chance to ask about the budget. The new administration will have a chance to chime in as well.

“I think we are going to have an opportunity for the new team to meet in with the staff and directors of the different departments so that they don’t come in here totally cold in January,” Matthews said.  

Bruce Castor is the lone incumbent commissioner that will be on the board next year. He thinks it is important for the new commissioners to know exactly what is going on as well. 

“One of the things we discussed is that Joe and I thought it would be a good idea [to include Richards and Shapiro],” he said. “I think it is important that we consider the commissioner-elect ideas or suggestions.”

The date for the budget hearings is set for Friday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m.  At that time departments must have the paperwork to answer all the questions.  

“I think it is putting a little burden on them but it only happens every four years, sometimes every eight years,” Matthews said. “I think having those papers [for the commissioners-elect] would help us in the budget discussion.” 

At the most recent commissioners meeting, Matthews said he would send the request out for each department to get started as soon as possible.

Old administration should be prepared around the holidays to move out. Jan. 3 is when everything gets turned over.

“Some offices will have to be repainted,” Matthews said.