BELLEFONTE — After the mandated 20-day public comment period, the Centre County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved and adopted the $120 million budget for 2026.
In early December, Centre County Government Director of Finance Richard Killian proposed a budget to the Commissioners, citing a $116.9 million operating budget and a $3.1 million budget for capital projects.
One notable feature of the budget is the maintenance of the County’s millage, remaining at 7.84 mills for the 16th year in a row.
Even with the maintained millage, Killian estimates a 2.2% increase in real estate tax revenue in 2026, which is expected to generate approximately $31 million for Centre County Government.
When broken down by function, the three largest expenditures for Centre County Government are:
- 37% — Human services (Children and Youth Services, Veterans Affairs, etc.)
- 21% — Public safety (9-1-1, Emergency Management, etc.)
- 17% — Judicial (Court administration, Probation and specialty courts, etc.)
Personnel costs (41%), contracted services (31%), and general operations (13%) are the most significant expenditures when categorized.
Killian remarked that these functions and categories demonstrate the County’s priorities: administering services and establishing partnerships that promote safety, prosperity, and well-being in our community.
