The Bucks County Commissioners are considering a budget that doesn’t have a tax increase.
The county’s proposed 2022 spending plan of $474.1 million is a 1.1 percent jump over last year’s budget. The county millage rate will stay at 25.45.
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Boosted by $122 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars and other budgeting measures, the county has been able to formulate a spending plan that doesn’t raise taxes or dip into the county’s general fund to fill gaps, according to officials.
COVID-19 aid has helped the county weather the pandemic and grow its financial reserves.
“In this preliminary budget, Bucks County is projected to carry a general fund balance of $44.2 million into 2022,” said Chief Financial Officer David Boscola. “With anticipated revenues from ARPA and other sources, our goal is to strengthen these reserves to put the county in the best financial position for the future.”
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Similar to past years, the biggest chunk of county spending goes toward public safety, health, housing and human services departments and agencies. The county is putting 75 percent of spending toward those portions of the budget.
“We are pleased to be on track to present a budget to Bucks County residents that, for a second straight year, would not raise taxes,” Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia said in a statement. “Despite all of the challenges we’ve faced with the pandemic, we continue to be responsible stewards of your tax dollars, and fully expect to maintain our AAA bond rating in 2022.”
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“This administration is committed to making the most of tax dollars while continuing to provide the high level of service that Bucks Countians expect and deserve, and this preliminary budget is just one more example of that initiative at work,” Commissioner Vice Chair Bob Harvie said.
“This year’s preliminary budget is a product of the hard work of our staff of dedicated public servants,” said Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo. “And with no tax increase, I think it’s proof that when we put our differences aside, we can come together as a responsible government that works for everyone.”
The commissioners will host a public hearing on the budget at noon on December 1 at the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown Borough.
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The commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposed spending plan on Wednesday, December 15.
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