Council Rock, Pennridge move forward with property tax hikes – Bucks Round-Up – June 20, 2025
Council Rock, Pennridge move forward with property tax hikes
Two Bucks County school districts have approved property tax increases as part of their 2025-26 budgets, citing structural deficits and program expansions. Council Rock School District passed its budget Thursday night, which includes a 2.93% property tax increase. Of that, 0.57% will directly fund the district’s rollout of full-day kindergarten. Meanwhile, Pennridge School District approved a $163.2 million budget earlier this week with a steeper 3.6% tax hike. Homeowners in Pennridge can expect to pay an average of $156.69 more annually, as the millage rate rises from 135.2555 to 140.1892. Both districts are confronting rising costs amid broader concerns over long-term financial sustainability in public education.
Targeted attack outside Oxford Valley Mall leaves man critically injured
Middletown Township Police are investigating a brazen act of violence that left a man hospitalized after being both shot and stabbed outside Oxford Valley Mall Thursday evening. Authorities say the incident occurred around 5 p.m. near the SEPTA bus stop outside the JCPenney entrance. Police Chief Joe Bartorilla confirmed the victim was shot in the elbow and stabbed in the arm in what he described as a “targeted attack,” potentially tied to a domestic dispute. The suspect fled the scene wearing green pants, a dark jacket, and carrying a black-and-white bag. Shoppers inside the mall reportedly took cover after hearing gunfire. The victim managed to run into the mall for help and is now in stable but critical condition.
Bensalem woman arrested after allegedly firing gun during apartment dispute
A fireworks-fueled altercation escalated dangerously Wednesday night at the Commons apartment complex in Bensalem. Police responded to multiple 911 calls just before 10 p.m. reporting gunfire. Officers say 30-year-old Tiara Blackston drew a handgun and fired at another resident during a fight involving occupants from two apartments. No injuries were reported. Blackston was arrested on charges including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. She is being held at Bucks County Correctional Facility on $250,000 bail set by Magisterial District Judge Lisa J. Gaier.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
