Montgomery County proposes tax increase in 2024 budget

NORRISTOWN — The Montgomery County Commissioners on Thursday proposed a $568 million budget for 2024 with a tax increase to homeowners of about $94 a year.

The budget also proposes a $2 million drawdown of the county’s existing fund balance for new debt service expense.

Overall, revenues are estimated at $568 million, or 11% higher than the 2023 budget. Expenditures are estimated at $567.8 million, or 7% higher than the 2023 budget.

Through a proposed increase in the real estate tax to 4.788 mills, approximately $33.3 million in new net real estate tax revenue will be generated, according to the county’s budget announcement. Residents earning a fixed or low income may be eligible to enroll in a tax abatement program to minimize the impact of any tax increases on their household finances, the county stated.

“This budget is a reflection of Montgomery County’s core values: investments in great people, effective infrastructure and quality services,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., commissioners’ chairman. “This proposal balances financial efficiency with the needs of our constituents. It allows us to provide the necessary services and programs to those who live, work, invest and visit Montgomery County without compromising our fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.”

“With more than 850,000 residents to serve, Montgomery County’s budget proposal prioritizes people: County employees, residents, workers, and visitors,” the county statement said. “In Montgomery County, people are our greatest resource. The services and programs we offer would not be possible without the 2,800+ workforce who remain committed to serving the public. This budget proposal allocates $254 million, or 45% of the budget, to our employees.”

A major impact on budget allocations came from the safe and strategic reduction of the prison population, which dropped by 56.2% over the five-year period, done in part by reforming the county’s bail and probation systems, the statement noted.

“Montgomery County is focused on supporting all people, ensuring that non-violent criminal offenders get the support they need to reentry society as contributing citizens,” said Jamila H. Winder, commissioners vice chair. “In safely reducing our prison population, we’ve been able to reallocate expenditures — so instead of keeping people in jail, we’re keeping them out of jail.

“With the creation of the Supervision Service Offices in 2020, we allocated our budget to maximize court appearances and public safety while minimizing unnecessary pretrial detention for eligible defendants and disparate treatment based on whether or not the accused can afford to pay bail. We’re continuing that legacy to ensure every non-violent offender has the support they need to navigate life after prison, without sacrificing public safety,” she said.

Highlights of the proposed budget and capital improvement plan include:

• $209 million in capital funding to upgrade and improve county-owned roads and bridges, parks, trails, and other facilities.

• $27.5 million to strengthen the County’s pension fund, representing 100 percent of the annual required contribution.

The budget proposal is available online at www.montgomerycountypa.gov/finance and in-person at One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede Street, Commissioners Office, Suite 800, Norristown, PA 19401.

The commissioners will hold two public hearings on the 2024 Proposed Budget and Capital Improvement Plan on Thursday, November 30 at 10:30 a.m. and at 6 p.m. Public comments will be accepted by mail, email, or at the meetings listed above. The commissioners will consider the budget for adoption at their regularly scheduled board meeting on December 14.

Individuals can submit comments via email to commissioners@montgomerycountypa.gov, or mail comments to: Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404.