$32 Tax Increase For Average Horsham Township Homeowner In 2023 Budget

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —The Horsham Township Council adopted its $19.9 million 2023 municipal budget at its meeting Wednesday night that includes a $32 tax increase for the average homeowner.

During a public hearing on the budget before the council meeting, Township Manager William Gildea-Walker said the municipal tax bill raises taxes 0.18 mills to 1.48 mills, which amounts to $32 more annually for a resident with the average home assessed at $182,027.

That tax hike is split in half with .09 mills each going to the fire company and general services, Gildea-Walker said.

"We are maintaining our quality of life," Gildea-Walker said. "It's a small tax increase, but it keeps our services going."

The budget was approved unanimously in a 5-0 council vote.

Gildea-Walker outlined the predicament that most municipalities are facing: inflation, the pandemic and economic uncertainty.

He said the township is "realizing the impact of the pandemic" on office parks.

Gildea-Walker said the township lost nearly $500,000 this year with more people working from home and not working at buildings in Horsham office parks.

Meanwhile, Gildea-Walker said utility and fuel costs have increased 20-25 percent along with a 25 percent increase in the cost of vehicles.

Also, the township's revenue stream is showing more growth in expenditures and continuing declines in revenue, Gildea-Walker told the audience and council members.

"It's hitting us pretty hard this year," he said. "The only lever to raise is property taxes. It's a conservative budget."

But Gildea-Walker stressed that the township has "healthy roads and parks" and maintains a high AA1 rating, the second highest that Moody's assigns municipalities.

He said there's room in the budget for several capital projects including solar energy, pickleball courts, and electric car charging stations.

"If things get better, we will do more. If they get worse, then we won't," Council President Mark McCouch said. "You (Walker) did a good job with the budget. Hopefully, things will get better."

The council will hold its reorganization meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3.