Upper Pottsgrove Township officials are considering a tax increase for the first time in 15 years. The draft $4.4 million 2025 budget calls for an increase in the tax rate from the current 4 mills to 4.15 mills — a 3.75% increase. Township Manager Michelle Reddick estimates that, for a home assessed at $100,000, the increase would add $75 to the annual tax bill. Reddick reported that 2024 is expected to close out with a $250,000 deficit between income and expenses and it is currently estimated that the 2025 budget will carry a $368,000 deficit without an increase in revenues. Reddick told supervisors that township roads and storm sewers have “been neglected,” community EMS services are facing serious problems, and the cost of maintaining the township’s open space is increasing. Not discussed at the meeting was Upper Pottsgrove’s failure to contribute its share to the Pottstown Regional Library for the past three years. The library recently announced it will be cutting hours next month, due in part to the township’s failure to contribute. Several tax hike options were presented to the commissioners on a spreadsheet, which — along with a visual presentation of the draft budget — was not shared with the public. The commissioners plan to vote to advertise the budget at the Nov. 18 meeting.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 11/12/2024