Facing 'Uncertain' 2021, Montco Proposes 5 Percent Tax Increase

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County's recently released proposed budget for 2021 includes a five percent real estate tax increase, the first increase in taxes in the county in three years.

The budget proposes $454,944,883 in general fund revenues, and $461,635,125 in expenditures. Additional allocations were made for the Health Department, with continued investments into the county's infrastructure and its major long term projects like the new Justice Center.

Despite the vast array of challenges the county has faced in 2020, the government remains "on sound financial footing," officials said.

“This budget is being proposed during a time of significant financial uncertainty facing Montgomery County and many of our residents," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said. "As proposed, this budget gives us much needed flexibility to meet this pandemic head on in a time of uncertain assistance from either the state or federal government."

Real estate taxes have not been raised since 2017. The increased taxes, along with a $6.7 million drawdown from its fund balance, will help to balance the budget.

The raise in taxes, which amounts to $29 more per year for each homeowner, will provide the county with $10.5 million in additional revenue.

As far as specific programs and projects go, the budget allocates funding for a new Voter Services office, a new pre-trial and supervision division to assist with its ongoing bail reform efforts, and more.

There are 20 active bridge and road repaving projects supported in the budget, with another 10 anticipated to begin construction in the coming year. They include Moyer Road Bridge, Swamp Pike Bridge, and Davis Road Bridge.

A total of $127 million, meanwhile, has been allocated to the county's campus redevelopment plan, which includes the new justice center and the replacement of the facade at One Montgomery Plaza.

Residents can view the full county budget online here.

Comments can be submitted to the commissioners via email at commissioners@montcopa.org, or mail to P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404. Two virtual public hearings on the budget will be held on Thursday Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Both will be livestreamed on the Montgomery County Facebook page.