Mayor Explains 1st Bensalem Tax Hike In 30 Years

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —This year, Bensalem Township was ranked as one of the "50 Best Places to Live for Families" in the nation.

The ranking came from Forbes Magazine, which touted the township's parks, amphitheater for concerts, and other amenities for residents.

Township officials would love to maintain that rating. But with those top services comes a price for residents next year —a tax increase in the 2024 municipal budget for the first time in 30 years.

Township officials attributed the increase to helping fund park improvements.

In a seven-page letter, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo said it was either raise taxes 1.5 mills or "undertake significant cuts to facilities and programs at a time when the demand for these programs and facilities is at its highest."

"You all know that I do not make this recommendation cavalierly," the mayor said. "It pains me to suggest any tax increase for any reason. Now is not the time, however, for us to begin to chip away at those aspects of our township that make it a desirable place to live. Our public safety will always come first and it is critical to keeping our community a great place to live. The quality of our government services —particularly our parks, playgrounds, youth programs, and open space —are also integral to keeping Bensalem a vibrant and desirable place to live, work, and raise our children."

Click here to see the mayor's full message

The mayor said that public safety represents 65 percent of the municipal budget.

While there is a tax increase, the mayor said he was happy to continue the $300 annual rebate given to township owners.

The mayor said that Bensalem remains the only municipality in the state that provides any casino host fee monies directly to residents from having Parx Casino located in the township.

DiGirolamo said that despite that tax increase, Bensalem is in a strong financial position.

"My reluctance to raise taxes is well-documented," DiGirolamo said. "Any suggestion to increase your taxes comes with the belief that it is not only absolutely necessary but that it is the right thing to do as well for the long-term future of this community to which I devoted so much of my life."