Several factors in West Bradford Township led to residents seeing a reduction in their property taxes in 2026, as other communities in the state see hikes. Township Manager Justin Yaich said the tax reduction was made possible because of “substantial savings” created by the township refinancing debt during the pandemic at record-low interest rates, along with some long-term lease agreements. The 2026 budget sets the property tax rate at 0.25 mills — a 50% reduction in the tax for residents. For a home worth roughly $300,000, residents will now pay $75 a year, down from $150. The township did not have any property tax in 2019, when it purchased the former Embreeville State School and Hospital for roughly $23 million to turn it into 200 acres of open space. To pay for land acquisition, the township — for the first time — levied a real estate tax. The township supervisors’ philosophy is to focus on core responsibilities — taking care of roads and infrastructure, caring for the open spaces and parks, and running trash and recycling programs — and make sure there’s enough left over for new programs or capital improvements. The township faces rising costs and shrinking revenue sources — cable providers who once were paying $300,000 to the township in a year to put their lines in are dwindling as people turn to streaming services. With more electric vehicles, fewer people are filling up at the pumps, meaning less liquid fuels money for the township, too.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 1/5/2026