[caption id="" align="alignright" width="231"] Columbia County flag from Wikipedia.[/caption]

Siobhan (SHIV-ahn) Barton is reporting in the Register Star Columbia County's debt has hit its highest level in five years, according to a report from the county controller’s office. The debt has more than doubled in two years, to nearly $38 million. “It is quite high,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Patrick Grattan. “Given the tax cap and lack of government grants it’s impossible nowadays for county governments not to borrow money.” In the current budget, infrastructure expenses account for a major portion of the county's financial obligation. Bridge updates alone this year this year will total $1.2 million in capital and more than $2.8 million in bonds. According to the statement released with the report, county officials say agreements between 29 towns, villages, the city and school, library and fire districts will result in a savings of $12.8 million over the next three fiscal years. Other major savings cited by the controller include the sale of the Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the Certified Home Health Care Agency. Read the full story in the Register Star.