Centre County PA Government: 7 Critical Facts About The $135 Million 2025 Budget And Key Officials
Centre County, Pennsylvania, is currently navigating a period of significant fiscal planning and infrastructure development, with the core of its operations centered in the county seat of Bellefonte. As of late December 2025, the focus remains on the recently adopted $135 million budget for 2025, a critical financial blueprint that dictates the funding for essential services from public safety to human services across the region, including the State College area. Understanding the structure and recent decisions of the Centre County government is crucial for residents, as these actions directly impact local taxes, community programs, and the overall quality of life.
This deep dive provides the most current and essential facts about the Centre County government, from the names and political affiliations of its top elected officials to the major financial allocations and recent controversies. The government operates under a commissioner system, with three elected officials serving as the chief governing body, determining policy and overseeing the county’s vast administrative and judicial functions. The details below are fresh, unique, and based on the latest public records and news reports.
The Triumvirate: Centre County's Elected Officials and Core Structure
The chief governing body of Centre County is the Board of Commissioners. These three officials are elected every four years and hold the executive and legislative power for the county. The current board reflects a Democratic majority and a long-serving Republican voice, a dynamic that shapes local political discourse and decision-making.
The Board of Commissioners (2025 Term)
- Mark Higgins: Chairman (Democrat).
- Amber Concepcion: Vice-Chair (Democrat).
- Steven G. Dershem: Commissioner (Republican).
All three incumbents—Higgins, Concepcion, and Dershem—were re-elected to their posts during a recent municipal election, affirming their continued leadership of the county.
Other Key Elected Officials
Beyond the commissioners, several other officials are elected to manage specific, vital county functions. These roles are critical to the checks and balances of the local government:
- Controller: Jason Moser (Democrat). The Controller acts as the chief fiscal officer, overseeing all financial transactions.
- District Attorney: The chief prosecutor for the county.
- Sheriff: Responsible for court security, serving legal papers, and law enforcement support. The Sheriff’s Office is a key component of Public Safety.
- Treasurer: Manages the county's funds and tax collection.
The physical hub of this operation is the Centre County Courthouse, located in Bellefonte, PA. The government's administrative services, including Elections & Voter Registration and Facilities Management, are run from this central location.
Fact 1: The $135 Million 2025 Budget and Unchanged Tax Rate
One of the most significant and recent decisions by the Board of Commissioners was the final adoption of the county's 2025 budget on December 31. The total approved budget stands at a substantial $135 million. This fiscal plan is noteworthy for its commitment to maintaining the current tax burden on residents.
The 2025 budget holds the real estate tax rate steady at 7.84 mills (or 78 cents per $100 of assessed property value). This marks a continuation of a long-standing trend, as the proposed budget included no tax increase for the 16th consecutive year. The operating budget, which covers day-to-day expenses, totals $116.9 million, a slight decrease from the previous year, while a separate $3.1 million capital budget is allocated for larger projects and infrastructure improvements.
Facts 2-7: Allocation of Funds and Key Service Areas
The $135 million budget is a direct reflection of the county's priorities. The majority of the spending is legally mandated or directed toward essential services that protect the most vulnerable populations and maintain public order.
Fact 2: Human Services is the Largest Expenditure (37%)
The largest single allocation in the operating budget, accounting for 37% of the total, is dedicated to Human Services. This critical area encompasses a range of programs, including the Office of Adult Services, which administers programs for low-income and/or disabled adults and their families, as well as adoption and affordable housing services.
Fact 3: Public Safety Receives Over One-Fifth of the Budget (21%)
Public Safety is the second-largest area of expenditure, receiving 21% of the operating funds. This funding is crucial for maintaining the Centre County Correctional Facility, supporting the Sheriff's Office, and funding the Criminal Justice Services department.
Fact 4: Navigating Dual Budget Crises
Despite the approved county budget, Centre County departments have recently been "stretched thin" due to external financial pressures. These challenges include the potential for a Pennsylvania state budget impasse and the threat of a federal government shutdown, both of which can delay or cut funding for federally mandated services and impact local nonprofits.
Fact 5: Major Departments Oversee Property and Conservation
The county government manages extensive services related to property and the environment. The Property & Taxes department is responsible for Tax Assessment DataScout Website access and general tax information. The Conservation Services department works closely with entities like Penn State Extension to manage natural resources and agricultural outreach.
Fact 6: The Judiciary and Legal System are Central
The Judiciary is a core function of the government, overseeing the court system. This includes managing the legal processes for criminal justice, family court, and civil matters. The county’s government structure includes the mechanisms for handling Right-to-Know requests, ensuring government transparency.
Fact 7: Controversy Over a Multi-Entity Solar Power Project
In recent news, Centre County government officials have been involved in a public dispute regarding legal bills related to a pooled solar power project. Ten government entities in the Centre County area agreed to collaborate to secure more affordable solar energy, but the logistics and associated legal costs have sparked controversy and debate among officials. This highlights the county's involvement in modern, multi-jurisdictional infrastructure and sustainability efforts.
Centre County: A Forward-Looking Government
The Centre County government, headquartered in the historic Bellefonte, PA, demonstrates a consistent commitment to fiscal responsibility, as evidenced by the stable tax rate in the 2025 budget. The allocation of major resources to Human Services and Public Safety underscores the county's dedication to its residents' well-being and security.
Looking ahead, the county administration is already planning the next fiscal cycle, with the final adoption of the 2026 County Budget scheduled for December 23, 2025. This continuous cycle of planning, coupled with the management of complex issues like the solar project and external budget crises, ensures the Centre County government remains a dynamic and vital entity in Central Pennsylvania.
Key Entities and Topical Authority Keywords
- Bellefonte, PA (County Seat)
- State College, PA (Major Municipality)
- Centre County Courthouse
- Board of Commissioners
- Mark Higgins (Chairman)
- Amber Concepcion (Vice-Chair)
- Steven G. Dershem (Commissioner)
- Jason Moser (Controller)
- Centre County Correctional Facility
- Sheriff's Office
- Office of Adult Services
- Criminal Justice Services
- Conservation Services
- Penn State Extension
- Tax Assessment DataScout Website
- Elections & Voter Registration
- Facilities Management
- $135 Million 2025 Budget
- 7.84 Mills Tax Rate
- First Time Home Buyer Program
- Right-to-Know Requests
- Capital Budget
- Operating Budget
- Judiciary System
- Solar Power Project
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