Overview
- Council adopted a $340 million budget that raises the county portion of property taxes 19%, taking effect next month.
- It follows a 23% increase last year as leaders cite a structural deficit, inflation pressures and shrinking COVID-relief funds.
- Council Chair Monica Taylor calls the plan truly balanced for the first time in years, and Kevin Madden warned the county could run out of money without the increase.
- For a home assessed at $255,000, the hike adds about $188 a year; overall spending rises roughly 6% driven by higher benefits, court and pay costs and a larger SEPTA contribution.
- Elaine Schaefer cast the lone no vote over hardship concerns as residents objected, and neighboring Montgomery and Bucks counties weigh their own tax increases this winter.