Earlier this month, the York County Board of Commissioners approved a 2019 budget of $574 million, a $62 million decrease from 2018.
The general fund budget was set at $252.6 million.
The budget decrease reflects the July sale of the Pleasant Acres Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the elimination of an $8 million subsidy. The nursing home line item was forecasted at $50.5 million in 2018 to $1.5 million in 2019.
More than half of the general fund revenue is from real estate taxes. Taxes can be increased as necessary to provide programs and services to residents. The 2019 budget is the second consecutive year without a tax increase.
Real estate tax revenue growth is slightly more than 1 percent. The county is experiencing a lack of new commercial, industrial and residential development. Several assessment appeals have been settled.
The commissioners also approved the resignation of county solicitor Glenn Smith.
Smith abruptly left his role in November but will receive a salary and benefits through Monday.
Smith was in charge of the Pleasant Acres Nursing Home Task Force and initiated a lawsuit against 21 opioid manufacturers and distributors.