Lehigh County Commissioner Michael Schware wants the process of raising taxes in the county to be a more difficult process.

Schware, at the March 26 board of commissioners meeting, announced a proposal to require approval from a majority of the commissioners and voter approval of a referendum question.

A final resolution of Schware's proposal must first be drafted. His proposal would seek budgetary cuts across the line, with the exception of paying the county's debt. Schware's proposal would also maintain a reserve in the county stabilization fund.

Such a proposal requires a change in the county Home Rule Charter.

According to Schware, his proposal would be a fair approach toward levying taxes in the county and ensure the commissioners are held accountable to the taxpayers.

"My goal is to bring some balance back to the budget process," he said.

County Director of Administration Daniel McCarthy recommended the commissioners explore more specific cuts to the budget rather than universal cuts. He also suggested the commissioners ask voters to make changes to the Home Rule Charter.

"The executive will make those cuts as the executive sees fit, but every cut he makes he may be saying, 'I'm only doing this because the commissioners require it to be done,'" he said. "To some extent you'll get the blame but not the credit."

Schware argued finding the necessary cuts is difficult.

"Those who say we should find the cuts and make the cuts know it's not going to happen," he said.

Commissioner Scott Ott said universal cuts would interfere with the county executive's function and role.

"I don't like telling the executive what to do when it comes to his spending priorities within the budget," he said.

Commissioner Geoff Brace argued Schware's proposal would circumvent a level of board responsibility and accountability, pressing for cuts in spending particular commissioners did not vote for.

Commissioner Percy Dougherty expressed support for Schware's proposal. He said, however, such a move might, as he said, "freeze the budget.

"I'd like to see you try to figure out a way to avoid that," he said.

Commissioner David Jones Sr. said he feels the proposal might adversely affect the relationship and balance of power between the executive and legislative components of the board and county.

"I see it more as a leveling of the playing field rather than giving advantage to one person or another," Schware said.

Even if Schware's idea moves forward and voters approve the referendum in the November election, the proposal would not take effect until the 2016 budget season.

Schware said he hopes a second reading of his proposal will take place during the June commissioners meeting.