Few comments at Montgomery County budget public hearing

NORRISTOWN At a hearing on the county budget Thursday afternoon, the only comments came from Upper Providence residents who oppose the sale of the county's geriatric center, Parkhouse.

The commissioners said the sale of Parkhouse will close by Jan. 31, 2014.

The hearing was a far cry from last year's forum, during which commissioners heard four hours of emotional testimony from representatives of nonprofits that lost about $1 million in county subsidies.

The 2014 budget, totaling $371 million, is about 8 percent lower than 2013 but slightly increases funding for most departments.

The commissioners will vote on the final budget at their meeting Thursday. - Jessica Parks