While Pennsylvania taxpayers won’t be footing the bill for events surrounding the inauguration of Tom Corbett as the next governor, they have grounds for questioning the outgoing Rendell administration’s decision to give nearly 9,500 employees in state offices in the Capitol Complex the day off with pay.

The inauguration “holiday” will cost taxpayers an estimated $2.2 million — at a time when this state is in deep financial trouble, facing a $4 billion budget deficit.

Although it is outgoing Gov. Ed Rendell who, for the Jan. 18 Inauguration Day, abandoned the principle of a day’s work for a day’s pay, Corbett could have helped avoid the day off by opting to hold his inauguration ceremony at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex or some other venue, rather than outside the Capitol’s East Wing.

Justification that the Rendell administration gave for the workers’ day off was that it would “minimize traffic hazards and parking difficulties” for those attending the noontime inauguration. But parking wouldn’t be an issue if the inauguration ceremony were held at the Farm Show facility, where ample parking is available.

An inaugural ball at the Farm Show Complex will wrap up events surrounding the swearing-in of Corbett and the commonwealth’s new lieutenant governor, Jim Cawley.

About the inauguration events: The glitz surrounding those activities won’t reflect the dire financial circumstances facing the state and, to many state residents, will appear out of sync with Corbett’s campaign pledge of austere spending and cutting waste.

However, opposing opinions are that many people, having worked hard toward the goal of getting Corbett elected, deserve what one lawmaker described as “an evening in the sun” before the new administration gets down to business — especially, since taxpayers won’t be paying the festivities bill.

Sponorships, donations and $150 inaugural ball tickets will finance that event.

Still, most incoming governors across America have decided that their inaugurations would be much more frugal than Corbett’s black-tie-optional inaugural ball will be. Some examples:

n New York’s new chief executive, Andrew Cuomo, after his New Year’s Day inauguration, greeted state residents at the governor’s mansion. There was no inaugural ball.

“This is not a time for the grand and expensive celebrations,” Cuomo said. “It is the time to return dignity, integrity and performance to state government.”

n Minnesota’s new governor, Mark Dayton, rather than holding a black-tie inaugural ball, encouraged those attending to wear blue jeans.

n New California Gov. Jerry Brown, who also served as that state’s chief executive from 1975 to 1983 — and who this time inherits a projected $28 billion deficit — had an inauguration party sponsored by a public employees union. Hundreds of people stood in line for free hot dogs. Inside the governor’s office, Brown’s guests were treated to pizza.

But in Pennsylvania, thanks to Rendell, $2.2 million is being wasted. And, Corbett’s celebration isn’t going to reflect the fiscal challenges both he and the General Assembly have before them.

Pennsylvania deserves a party, but it ought to be after the commonwealth gets its financial house in order. Even then, hot dogs should reflect a more affordable menu.