WESTMORELAND COUNTY OFFICIALS PUTTING CASH-SAVING MEASURES IN PLACE

Westmoreland County officials are putting cash-saving measures in place as the state budget stalemate continues.  This week, commissioners directed department leaders to pause paid overtime for some county workers, freeze hiring, restrict purchasing, and put a stop to nonessential travel.  Commissioners Chairman Sean Kertes says the county can probably only go another month or two without state funds coming in before more drastic cuts might need to be made.  Democrats in the state senate are blaming Republicans for not continuing negotiations.  GOP state senators say the spending demands being made by Democrat officials would lead to tax increases and would wipe out the state’s cash reserves.