Lower Merion Township officials have proposed a 9.5% property tax increase for 2026. If adopted without change, the millage rate will increase from 4.462 to 4.886 mills. In 2025, a property with an assessed value of $200,000 had a township tax bill of $892. Under the township’s projected tax increase for 2026, that same property would have a township tax bill of $977, an increase of $85. The tax hike is projected to generate $3.2 million in additional revenue. The proposed $83.8 million budget, which relies on $4.6 million from the township’s fund balance, is driven largely by a 19.9% rise in health insurance costs for employees and retirees, as well as ongoing staffing and operational expenses. Savings from employee vacancies, particularly in the police department, and reduced utility costs from LED streetlight conversions have helped offset some costs. Additional revenue is expected from planned increases in parking meter rates. Residents can review the budget on the township website. The budget is slated to be finalized in December.
Source: Main Line Times; 11/17/2025