Bucks County passes budget with tax hike – Bucks Round-Up – December 18, 2025
Bucks County passes budget with tax hike
Bucks County Commissioners approved a $517 million 2026 budget this week on a 2–1 vote, setting the county’s financial course through the end of next year while enacting a property tax increase to close a projected deficit. The plan raises real estate taxes by 2.2 mills, translating to roughly $1.38 per week for the average homeowner, to address a $16.4 million shortfall amid rising costs and funding uncertainty. Democratic Commissioners Bob Harvie and Diane Ellis-Marseglia voted in favor, while Republican Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo opposed the plan. Supporters framed the budget as a values statement prioritizing core services, education, and public safety. Harvie pointed to expanded human services, long-delayed capital projects, and renewed funding commitments to Bucks County Community College. The budget also includes a $3 million upgrade to the county’s public safety radio system used daily by first responders. County officials said the spending plan was developed during a period of unusual fiscal strain, including a prolonged state budget impasse and extended federal shutdown that forced Bucks County to draw $27 million from reserves to sustain mental health programs, food assistance, and higher education support. While some reimbursements are expected, the county is bracing for continued pressure following state cuts to mental health funding.
Bucks County settles for nearly $1 million in county jail case
Commissioners unanimously approved a $950,000 settlement with the parents of Kim Stringer, a Lower Makefield Township woman who suffered repeated uses of force while incarcerated in the Bucks County jail in 2020 during a mental health crisis. The settlement resolves a civil lawsuit alleging violations of her rights and will place funds in a trust for her long-term care. As part of the agreement, the county and the family will collaborate on potential expansion of court-ordered outpatient treatment options aimed at keeping individuals with serious mental illness out of jail. The case helped spur reforms in Bucks County, including the creation of a mental health court and plans for a 24-bed behavioral crisis center slated to open in 2026.
Middletown Township passes budget with tax increases
Middletown Township supervisors approved an estimated $53.1 million 2026 budget after days of deadlock, passing the plan 3–1 following a compromise. The board reduced the real estate tax rate from 6.08 to 5.58 mills but approved an increase in the earned income tax from 0.5 percent to one percent starting January 1, 2026. Republican Supervisor Dana Kane cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns over spending and missed opportunities for cost reductions. “I think I made myself very clear on Monday night, and I think everyone has seen so far, so I’m not going to sit here and readdress it and answer why my vote is a no, but if we wanted to work together and find the things that I’ve talked to the township management about, potential reductions that could help get us there, but I’ve stated my answer and I’m going to stand firm.” Kane received criticism from board members, but the harshest criticism arrived at the podium Monday night in from Supervisors-elect Ryan Leighton (D), who called Kane’s resistance to voting for the budget cowardly. On Wednesday night, Kane said it did not feel good hearing the criticisms, but she acknowledged that if you want to be an elected official you have to have a strong spine.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
