A public hearing for the Montgomery County budget is set for Thursday

NORRISTOWN A public hearing Thursday afternoon will give residents a chance to weigh in on the county's $371 million budget for 2014.

The proposed budget, released in November and posted on the county website, www.montcopa.org, includes no tax increase and an 8 percent spending reduction from 2013.

The budget anticipates a major influx of cash and reduced expenditures due to the pending sales of the Parkhouse senior facility in Royersford and the Human Services Center in Norristown.

Almost every county department would see a modest budget increase, and all nonunion employees would get a 1.5 percent raise and the potential for a merit bonus.

The budget also includes $11.7 million in open-space spending, and $94 million for capital projects such as renovating county garages and the county headquarters in Norristown, buying a new radio system for first responders, and fixing failing bridges.

The proposal would bring county reserves up to the recommended level, and pay $3.5 million to the pension fund.

The county owes millions to the pension fund after failing to make any payments from 2008 to 2012. Controller Stewart Greenleaf said the county's minimum contribution for 2014 is likely to be double the $3.5 million proposed.

The hearing begins at 4 p.m. in the commissioners' chambers, 450 Swede St., eighth floor, in Norristown. The commissioners plan to vote on the budget at their meeting next Thursday.

- Jessica Parks