Potter County releases proposed 2012 budget-calls for tax hike

Potter County on Friday released its proposed 2012 budget and for the next twenty days residents and taxpayers can review and comment on it. The spending plans calls for a tax increase of...on average...thirty dollars per household. Commissioners said a loss in some federal funding and local demands led to the increase. Of particular note is the increase for spending in criminal justice related matters. The population inside the county jail has continued to increase. Further, Potter County will be prosecuting three murder suspects. Each is entitled to a public defender paid for by the county.

Sex charges possible for Potter teens

From Potter County, troopers are investigating a suspected case of child pornography. The suspects are two Westfield teenagers. State police say between April and December 1^st, a 14-year old female and an 18-year old male allegedly sent sexual images back and forth via the internet. Troopers say the investigation continues.