Bucks County Releases Preliminary 2024 Operating Budget

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Bucks County on Nov. 22 released its preliminary 2024 operating budget of $483.5 million, a 5.5 percent increase from 2023.

The proposal includes provisions for all county departments, as well as the county’s courts system and elected row offices.

County departments providing public safety, health, housing and human services account for the largest portion of the preliminary budget, accounting for about 75 percent of the proposed total.

The preliminary budget projects a deficit of $16.7 million at current tax millage rates. County taxes have held steady since 2019 when last increased by the outgoing board of commissioners.

“As with the 2023 proposed budget, the structural deficit continues to present a challenge to balance County revenues that are not keeping pace with county expenditures,” said Chief Financial Officer David Boscola. “For the next four weeks, Finance will continue to work with the County Commissioners and all County Departments to eliminate the deficit.”

Over the next several weeks, the commissioners will analyze the proposed 2024 budget, and will hold a public hearing where members of the public may ask questions and offer comments. The commissioners are scheduled to consider and vote Wednesday, Dec. 20, on a final 2024 budget.

Prepared each year by the Finance Department for approval by the county commissioners, the County’s operating budget includes funding for departments and agencies serving county residents including the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs, Board of Elections, Children & Youth Social Services Agency, Community Services, Corrections, Emergency Services, General Services, Health Department, Neshaminy Manor, Parks and Recreation and Veterans Affairs, among others.

The county’s budget also provides for the courts and the county’s nine elected row offices, including the clerk of courts, controller, coroner, district attorney, prothonotary, recorder of deeds, register of wills, sheriff and treasurer.

The proposed 2024 budget can be reviewed on the county’s website by clicking here.