After years of debate and multiple legal challenges, Upper Darby Township Council voted 6-3 to enact a 1% earned income tax, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The measure, which followed five hours of discussion and public comment, will apply to most residents’ gross income, with exemptions for military pay and people earning under $12,000 annually. Supporters, including Mayor Ed Brown, said the tax is necessary to avoid major property tax hikes and to fund projects like a new community center and public safety headquarters. Opponents argued the township should cut spending instead of imposing new taxes, with Councilmember Laura Wentz warning of hardship for lower-income residents.
Source: Daily Times; 9/18/2025