Bucks County unveils deficit’s suggested cost to taxpayers – Bucks Round-Up – December 5, 2025
Bucks County unveils suggested cost to taxpayers for deficit
Bucks County officials offered the clearest picture yet of what it may cost taxpayers to close a growing budget gap. At a public hearing Thursday in Doylestown, the County Commissioners and Chief Financial Officer Jeanette Weaver outlined a proposed 2026 budget totaling $516 million and a projected $16.4 million deficit. Commissioner Chair, Bob Harvie emphasized that no vote was being taken and that the hearing was strictly informational. Weaver warned that expenditures continue to outpace revenues and said grant opportunities, while helpful, are one-time fixes that cannot responsibly be used to plug recurring shortfalls. That leaves the possibility of a real estate tax increase. With the county’s millage rate holding at 27.45 for the past two years — after a two-mill bump in 2024, each additional mill would generate about $8 million. Weaver said a two-mill increase would cost the average homeowner roughly $64.80 per year, or about $1.25 a week, and would fully cover the deficit. Commissioners Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia pointed to rising food, insurance, and energy costs affecting county operations at the jail and juvenile detention center, arguing that a “slight increase” may be unavoidable given economic pressures. A final vote on the budget is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17.
Middletown’s proposed budget would double earned income tax
Middletown Township’s proposed 2026 budget would double the municipal earned income tax, resulting in a tax bite of about $500 more annually. The spending plan, which encapsulates $53 million plus $5 million for capital projects, would also raise the property tax by six mills, costing homeowners $179 each on average. The township has a $2.8 million deficit and envisions increased hiring and higher capital improvement spending. The latter category is anticipated to carry a $60 million cost over the next five years. “It is clear that [Middletown] residents demand a high level of service from their municipal government,” Township Manager Eden Ratcliffe wrote in the budget’s executive summary. “This budget contemplates a funding plan to fulfill that expectation.” Residents interested in the issue can attend the township’s budget town hall on Thursday, December 4 at 7 p.m. at Municipal Complex, 3 Municipal Way in Langhorne. Over four fifths of the township budget pays for salaries and benefits of public employees, mainly police.
Wrightstown wells test high for PFAS
Several water wells near routes 13 and 232 in Wrightstown have tested high for PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” The urgency of the matter prompted U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-1), State Representative Kristin Marcell (R-Richboro), and State Senator Frank Farry (R-Langhorne) to meet to discuss how they can aid residents and secure state or federal funding to mitigate the pollution. Marcell also spoke with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for guidance on next steps. “As state representative for Wrightstown, and a resident of that township, I share the concern over this issue, especially as other nearby communities have been similarly affected,” she said. “Early collaboration across every level of government is the best way to streamline a coordinated response. I will work to help Wrightstown Township and their residents as we move forward.”
Man and woman sentenced in child engenderment case of twins
A Croydon couple has been sentenced in a disturbing child-endangerment case involving their premature twins. Courtney Soyka, 33, received a sentence of one year less a day to two years less a day in county jail after pleading guilty Thursday to two felony counts. Her partner, 45-year-old Marcus Maddela, was sentenced earlier to eight to 23 months. Prosecutors said the pair repeatedly failed to take the newborns — born at 32 weeks — back for critical weight-check appointments after their release from the NICU. By December 11, the infants had missed four appointments each and were returned to the hospital severely malnourished, both falling below the first percentile for their age. Doctors at St. Christopher’s Hospital in Philadelphia reported the twins responded quickly to routine feedings, underscoring that the lack of nutrition at home, not a medical condition, caused the dangerous weight loss. The case, investigated by Bristol Township Police and prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office, drew sharp criticism in court, with Assistant District Attorney Bridget Murphy calling the circumstances “extremely disturbing.”
Pipe replacement scheduled for Chalfont Borough and Hilltown
PennDOT is alerting drivers to expect detours next week as crews replace pipes along Route 152 through Hilltown and New Britain townships and Chalfont Borough. Beginning Monday, December 15, and running through Friday, December 19, the stretch between Hilltown Pike and Business U.S. 202 will close from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists will be rerouted via Butler Avenue, County Line Road, Route 309, and Hilltown Pike. PennDOT warns drivers to anticipate backups and check 511PA for real-time conditions.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
