Bucks budget could include a tax increase unmentioned in early proposal – Bucks Round-Up – November 28, 2025
Bucks budget could include a tax increase unmentioned in early proposal
Bucks County’s preliminary 2026 operating budget, which increases spending 3.2% to a total of $516 million, contains no tax increase — but that could change as county commissioners consider how to close an expected $16.4 million deficit. Bucks County’s current property-tax millage rate stands at 27.45. A mill equates to one dollar charged on property owners for every $1,000 of the real estate’s assessed value. Owners of a Bucks County home with an assessed value of $200,000, for instance, now pay $5,490 in annual county real estate taxes. Expenditure categories expected to significantly increase over the next year include finance and administration, courts, emergency services, and health services. County officials attribute cost increases to the needs of public safety infrastructure, libraries, and Bucks County Community College. Commissioners Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia (D) called the preliminary spending plan a “work in progress” and told the press there’s “no question” a tax hike may come next year.
Bristol Borough welcomes the spirit of the season
Bristol Borough is stepping squarely into the holiday season this weekend, with officials preparing for two days of festivities expected to draw families from across Lower Bucks. The annual Christmas Tree lighting takes place on Friday at Mill and Radcliffe Streets. Borough Councilman Greg Pezza said the evening will feature live entertainment, including the nationally recognized caroling trio, The Sugarplums. Vendor tents open at 6 p.m., festivities begin at 6:30, and the tree is set to light at 7:10. Police Chief Joe Moors said residents along the parade route should expect reminders on car windows late Friday evening. Saturday’s Christmas Parade steps off at 1 p.m., running from Farragut Avenue near Wawa through Pond Street and down Old Route 13 to Mill and Radcliffe. Moors also noted that Mill Street will close at 2 p.m. Friday to allow crews to set up for the event.
Bannon, Bartorilla advise consumers about safe holiday shopping
With Black Friday and the broader holiday rush underway, county officials are urging shoppers to stay alert — both financially and personally. Mike Bannon, director of the Bucks County Consumer Protection Department, encouraged residents to set a firm budget and favor credit cards over debit for better fraud protections. He also warned that scammers are leveraging AI tools to build highly convincing fake shopping sites, making it essential to double-check URLs before entering payment information. “Cash is king,” Bannon added, noting it remains the safest option in person. Middletown Township Police Chief Joe Bartorilla is also calling for vigilance in stores and parking lots. He said distracted shoppers make easy targets for thieves and advised keeping purchases out of sight by placing them in the trunk before returning inside. Smash-and-grab thefts, he warned, remain a recurring problem during the season.
Feasterville man arrested in alleged stabbing at apartment complex
Lower Southampton Township Police arrested a Feasterville man following an alleged stabbing at the Top of the Hill apartments on Heights Lane. Officers responding around 9:16 a.m. on November 21 found a 24-year-old victim with injuries from a physical fight and a non-life-threatening stab wound to the arm. Police say 27-year-old Damir Valikhodjaev threatened and then attacked the victim before fleeing. He was later located, taken into custody, arraigned, and transported to Bucks County Prison pending a preliminary hearing.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
