The Worcester County Commissioners  approved a lean operating budget of $163.5 million at their most recent commissioners’ meeting this month. The budget contains no new programs and many of the county’s departments and agencies saw significant decreases in their budgets for FY 12.  There will be no change to tax rates, however, the Solid Waste Enterprise and Water and Wastewater Enterprise budgets will be adopted on June 21 with fee increases and reduced services.

The county eliminated vacant positions for the third year in a row, bringing the total to 52.  Also, the county continued early retirement incentives for the third consecutive year, in an effort to reduce the workforce.  Twelve employees opted for early retirement in FY 12.