Philadelphia’s suburban counties are bracing for tight 2026 budgets as stagnant state funding, reduced federal support and a recently resolved Harrisburg budget impasse leave local governments preparing for higher property taxes. County officials in Chester, Montgomery, Delaware and Bucks counties say they face growing human-service needs with fewer outside dollars, forcing them to consider tax hikes — including a proposed 4% increase in Montgomery County and a potential 19% hike in Delaware County to close a structural deficit. Leaders warn that flat or reduced state funding for mental health, transit and 911 services shifts costs to counties, which can raise revenue only through property taxes. Several counties also spent tens of millions of dollars from reserves to backfill state funding delays and now await reimbursement, prompting Delaware County to declare a state of emergency to keep food assistance flowing. Read more at the Inquirer (gift link).
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 11/14/2025