News Briefs for July 4, 2025
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The Pottstown Roller Mill in Pottstown Borough, first constructed in 1725, provided flour to George Washington's Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later became part of the Underground Railroad. Pottstown area residents can expect to pay more in taxes as Pottstown School District passed a 2025-2026 budget with a 5.8% property tax increase.
Photo: Smallbones (CC0)
SEPTA board approves budget that will slash nearly half its transit service
SEPTA adopted a budget on June 26 that will slash nearly half its transit service as it wrestles with a $213 million annual deficit and little hope for new funding from Harrisburg. The doomsday moment, if that is what it turns out to be, arrived with little drama — in a quick voice vote by the transit agency’s board — after six months of public protests and political fury. “To our riders, we see you, we hear you, and we are not done fighting for you,” Marian Moskowitz, vice chair of the SEPTA board, said. SEPTA will start a first round of service cuts in August under the plan and implement a 21.5% fare increase on Sept. 1. Deeper cuts to services will be triggered on Jan. 1, including elimination of five Regional Rail lines: Paoli/Thorndale, Wilmington/Newark, Trenton, Chestnut Hill West, and Cynwyd. “We have to budget not on hope but on reality,” SEPTA general manager Scott A. Sauer has said. In all, service will be cut 45% in addition to the fare increase, which will bring SEPTA’s base price to $2.90 per ride.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 6/26/2025
PA announces new common level ratios used for assessment appeals
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has released updated common level ratios (CLR), which are county-specific percentages used to convert assessed values into market values. These ratios are primarily used during tax assessment appeals, but also apply to Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) calculations in certain circumstances — for example, when a property's sale price is not clearly stated or does not reflect market value. For RTT purposes, the 2025–2026 CLR factors apply to documents accepted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The CLRs for the Philadelphia suburbs are:
- Bucks County: 5.86% of market value
- Chester County: 31.84% of market value
- Delaware County: 57.33% of market value
- Montgomery County: 30.76% of market value
Source: State Tax Equalization Board; 7/1/2025
Fair housing groups sue HUD for withholding funds
On June 25, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and the Tennessee Fair Housing Council (TFHC) filed a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, challenges HUD’s failure to administer congressionally appropriated funds for local organizations engaging in fair housing activities. The Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), created by Congress in 1992, funds local organizations that investigate housing discrimination and educate real estate professionals and consumers about civil rights laws. Local fair housing centers have been funded for decades by both parties. In the lawsuit, the fair housing groups allege that HUD has halted the release of new grant awards and frozen the second and third years of existing multi-year grants. The groups claim that the loss of tens of millions of dollars in grant funding is causing shutdowns, layoffs and terminations of investigations for fair housing organizations across the country. The administration's proposed FY 2026 budget zeroes out the FHIP program.
Source: NAR; 6/26/2025
Centennial School District misses June 30 budget deadline
At a special meeting on June 26, the Centennial School Board failed to pass a proposed $156.4 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The proposed budget included a 4% tax increase that would raise the tax bill for the average property in the district by $144. Outgoing Superintendent Dr. Dana Bedden explained the ramifications of not passing the budget by June 30 as outlined in Act 14, Section 318, of the Pennsylvania General Code. The district will be unable to spend money after June 30, including on payroll; the district will be in noncompliance, which could bring scrutiny from the auditor general; and it could impact the district’s debt, as well as bring a court order and removal of board members for failure to organize or neglect of duty. Bedden said he consulted with the solicitor and outside counsel and both recommended that the board pass the budget in order to avoid the possible repercussions. Read more about the June 26 school board meeting in the Bucks County Herald. Centennial School District has posted information about a special meeting to be held on July 2.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/26/2025
Neshaminy School District tax hike at 4.7%
The Neshaminy School Board approved a final $226.4 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year. The budget includes a tax increase of 4.7%, the maximum allowed under the state Act 1 index, and it cuts an itinerant music teacher position. Students and residents voiced opposition to the cut to the district’s award-winning music program, arguing that reducing the music staff would affect the quality of the music program. The school board was not swayed and said it was a necessary measure to address the district’s $2 million budget shortfall. A property assessed at the district average of $27,600 can expect to pay an additional $236 annually.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 6/26/2025
Local officials ask DEP to take enforcement action over fuel leak cleanup
State Sen. Steven J. Santarsiero (D-10) and state Rep. Perry S. Warren Jr. (D-31) have asked the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to take “enforcement action” against Sunoco and its parent company Energy Transfer for not taking seriously their responsibility to properly clean up jet fuel that leaked from the Twin-Oaks-Newark underground pipeline in Upper Makefield Township. “We are nearly five months into this disaster,” the lawmakers wrote in a joint letter to DEP’s acting secretary, Jessica Shirley. “It is unacceptable that Sunoco/Energy Transfer has not delineated the plume.” They are asking for a “robust” cleanup process without delay.
Source: The Reporter; 6/22/2025
County plans hazardous waste collection
Bucks County has scheduled a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bucks County Technical School, 610 Wistar Road, Fairless Hills. Residents can dispose of old paint, cleaning products and other hazardous materials. Electronics and appliances will not be accepted. The event is a free service of the county government, and no registration is required. A similar collection event will be held on Oct. 25 in Quakertown. More details, including a flyer and an FAQ, are posted to the Bucks County Planning Commission website.
Source: Doylestown Township; 7/1/2025
Honey Brook Township to consider short-term rental ordinance
The Honey Brook Township Board of Supervisors will consider a proposed ordinance to define and regulate short-term rentals. Short-term rentals will be allowed on lots that are at least two acres in size. The ordinance also requires one parking space, a contact person who lives within 35 miles of the property, and an up-to-date ledger. The ordinance will be considered for adoption on Wednesday, July 9, at 7 p.m. at the Honeybrook Township Building, 500 Suplee Road.
Source: Daily Local; 6/24/2025
East Marlborough considers codification, EIT
The Board of Supervisors of East Marlborough Township is considering a proposed ordinance for the purpose of “codifying a complete body of legislation for the township.” Codification is the process of organizing a municipality’s ordinances into a logical structure that is easier to understand and reference. A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at the township building, 721 Unionville Road, Kennett Square. East Marlborough officials have also been considering enacting an earned income tax (EIT). Township supervisors held a public work session on June 25 to discuss the proposed new tax. Presentation materials from the work session and other information can be found on the township website.
Source: Daily Local News; 6/24/2025 and East Marlborough Township; 6/2025
Chesco offers two programs for farmers looking to preserve land
The Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation Board is accepting applications for two competitive programs: the Commonwealth/County Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program. To date, more than 590 farms totaling more than 45,000 acres have been preserved in Chester County through the two programs. The county pays farm owners for their development rights in exchange for a permanent agricultural conservation easement on their land. The owner still owns the land and can sell it or pass it on to the next generation, as long as it remains in agriculture. Farms with 10 acres or more of tillable land are eligible for both programs if they are adjacent to other permanently preserved land. For farms not adjacent to permanently preserved land, the acreage minimums are 35 acres for the Commonwealth/County Program and 25 acres for the Challenge Grant Program. The application deadline for both farm preservation programs is Friday, Aug. 1. For more information, visit the county website.
Source: Chester County; 6/25/2025
London Britain to update sign ordinance
London Britain Township has scheduled a public hearing to consider making changes to its sign ordinance. The proposed ordinance would repeal the existing Article VII, “Signs and Billboards,” of its 2015 zoning ordinance, and replace it with a new Article VII that would include: prohibited signs, signs exempt from permit requirements, signs permitted in the Residential/Agricultural District and Conservation Design Overlay District, signs permitted in the Commercial District, general sign regulations, sign and billboard permits, emergency response identification signs, and enforcement. A public hearing has been scheduled for Monday, July 14, at 7 p.m. at the London Britain Township Building, 81 Good Hope Road, Landenberg.
Source: Daily Local News; 6/23/2025
Springfield approves micro-hospital plan despite resident concerns
Springfield Township commissioners approved a micro-hospital development project. Before he cast the deciding vote, Board President Jeff Rudolph said, “This has probably been the biggest land development project in this town for the last 40 years. I’ve heard everybody’s voice. I’ve listened, but we also have a duty to provide proper services in this town. That makes it very difficult, but I cast my vote, ‘aye.’” Since the project was first discussed in 2018, residents’ concerns have included loss of greenspace, increased traffic, light pollution, ambulance noise, stormwater runoff, financial danger, decreased property values, and attracting mental health and drug-addicted patients to the township. The commissioners’ vote gives final approval to ChristianaCare’s plan to develop the township’s Coventry Woods property into one of two new micro-hospital facilities. The other, in Aston Township, is already under construction.
Source: Chester Spirit; 6/11/2025
Delaware County Council considers raising hotel tax to 5%
Delaware County Council is considering raising the hotel occupancy tax from 3% to 5% to take advantage of potential revenues associated with large events that will take place in the next year. “There’s a lot going on in 2026 in the region. The visitation numbers will be tremendous,” Rob MacPherson, chief marketing officer for Visit Delco, told council. “We see that as an opportunity to collect a solid number of taxation dollars from those folks and put those to work for the county.” The current 3% hotel occupancy tax collects about $3.2 million annually. Pennsylvania law allows for the tax to be as high as 5%, which other surrounding counties have done. Any revenue generated from the tax must solely be spent to promote tourism. In addition to increasing the hotel occupancy tax from 3% to 5%, the amendments being considered by the county council would also include taxing property owners with short-term renters, such as those using Airbnb and Vrbo. Council is expected to vote on the tax changes at the next council meeting on Wednesday, July 16.
Source: Daily Times; 6/25/2025
Tinicum to raise parking tax
Tinicum Township commissioners are considering raising the parking services tax, which affects parking lots in the airport-adjacent township. Under the proposed increase, the township would calculate 32% of a parking operator's gross revenue to determine “revenue attributable to parking services” — and then tax that amount at 11.5%. The township estimates the new rate would generate annual revenues of about $864,700. The commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Tinicum Township Municipal Building, 97 Wanamaker Ave., Essington.
Source: Daily Times; 6/26/2025
Chester is ‘open for business,’ mayor says at annual State of the City event
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots said the county’s only city is wide open for business. “We’re cutting the red tape, and rolling out the red carpet,” Roots said, inviting local entrepreneurs to bring their operations to the city. Roots made the comment at the annual State of the City breakfast event sponsored by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Roots presented a comprehensive overview of Chester’s affairs, highlighting major advances in community well-being, public safety, quality of life, and community and economic development. Despite the closure of the Crozer Health System and the bankrupt city’s fiscal precarity, Roots had positive news to share. Quality of life, Roots said, has improved in myriad ways, including the cleaning of lots and dump sites, increased park maintenance, blight demolition, the removal of abandoned vehicles, facade improvement programs, new honorary street signage, street clean-ups, and expanded support to arts and culture.
Source: Chester Spirit; 6/16/2025
Lansdale looks to manage unhoused people in parks
Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert issued a memo to Lansdale police officers “to begin a process of managing the unhoused in the parks, related to the sunup and sundown laws.” Borough officials have discussed homelessness within the borough for several years, with residents raising concerns over encampments in multiple borough parks and people sleeping in the gazebo at Memorial Park. At the same time, Lansdale Borough has partnered with a mental health co-responder that helps police respond to those dealing with mental challenges, has allowed the use of a borough parks and recreation building as an overnight shelter for women during winter Code Blue nights, and worked with Montgomery County to finalize plans for a short-term housing facility that is slated to open in the fall. Resident complaints about encampments increased in early June, and the police and the mayor announced a new round of talks on the problem. Herbert’s memo to police directs officers to “lead with compassion” while working to remove those who live in the parks after a 30-day grace period. Herbert cites the need to protect the safety of residents and borough property, while working with those residents on how to find solutions. Council President Mary Fuller said that suggestions from residents are welcome.
Source: The Reporter; 6/28/2025
Taxes up in Pottstown School District
The Pottstown School Board adopted a $92.7 million budget for 2025-2026 that will increase taxes by 5.8% — marking the first tax increase in five years. The median property assessed at $78,995 in the district can anticipate an additional $192 in taxes for a total of $3,506. The district will use approximately $3.8 million out of the reserve fund balance to cover a budget deficit. School Board Member Kurt Heidel said he still doesn’t quite see how a $9 million deficit “snuck up on us,” referring to the original deficit amount unveiled in February. Board President Katina Bearden pointed out that the board was forced to pass a budget without the state budget being passed and was forced to budget for less state aid than what was promised. When Pennsylvania passes its budget, Pottstown may end up with more aid than expected.
Source: Pottstown Mercury; 6/30/2025
County planners offer ‘affordability audit’ to Towamencin Township
Housing has become a hot topic in Towamencin Township, with several large-scale developments in the works. The Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) recently appeared before Towamencin supervisors to offer a free housing affordability zoning audit to the township. Anne Leavitt-Gruberger, a county planning manager with MCPC, reported that affordability has been challenged because very little housing has been built in Towamencin in the past 10 years. The MCPC’s audit examines whether zoning regulations could be amended to increase affordability by encouraging different types of housing units to be built in certain areas. Supervisors were split on the idea, with Supervisors Chair Joyce Snyder appreciating the zero cost, but worrying about density. Supervisor Kofi Osei was interested in reviewing the township’s definitions and terms, while Supervisor Kristen Warner said it seemed redundant because Towamencin is currently updating its comprehensive plan. Supervisor Chuck Wilson was suspicious, saying he would rather see something done at the local level rather than having “the county push their housing initiatives on us.” No formal action was taken on the MCPC proposal, but Township Manager David Kraynik said he’d incorporate the board feedback into an action item for talks at a future meeting.
Source: The Reporter; 6/27/2025
Horsham Township reviews plan for 22-home subdivision
Horsham Township Council recently reviewed a proposed 22-home subdivision set for 41.5 acres at 1129 and 1131 County Line Road between Park Road and Rose Lane. The applicant, DeLuca Horsham, requested preliminary/final approval for the plan, stating it will comply with planning commission recommendations but may require some waivers. The development would be one cul-de-sac street lined with homes on each side and access from County Line Road. A vote is scheduled for the July meeting.
Source: Horsham Patch; 6/30/2025
Souderton Area School District budget raises taxes
The Souderton Area School Board approved a $159.7 million budget that includes a 3.95% tax increase. The Act 1 index maximum for the 2025-2026 school year is 4%. The real estate millage will rise from 34.4636 mills to 35.8249 mills — amounting to an additional $187 for a property assessed at the district average of $158,840. Those enrolled in the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion program will see a reduction of $338. The Souderton Area School District covers municipalities in both Bucks and Montgomery counties: Franconia, Lower Salford, Salford, Upper Salford, Souderton and Telford. The approved final budget can be viewed on the Souderton Area School District website.
Source: Bucks County Herald; 6/27/2025
Philly can create an anti-displacement fund for tenants — but will it?
Philadelphia City Council has approved legislation authorizing the city to create an anti-displacement fund for tenants forced to move because their property has become uninhabitable. Under the legislation, tenants would be eligible to receive a one-time payment through the fund if they must move because of a negligent property owner or landlord. Specifically, the property must be the target of a cease operations order from the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections. The order is considered an extreme measure and is issued for properties that pose an “immediate danger to life or property.” The legislation, however, does not include any dedicated funding, and it’s unclear where those dollars might come from should the city decide to launch the fund.
Source: PlanPhilly; 6/14/2025
Philadelphia’s transfer tax went up on July 1
As of July 1, the city’s portion of transfer tax increased from 3.278% to 3.578%. The state will remain at 1%, making the total 4.578% for transactions in Philadelphia.
Philly is the first school district in the country to be criminally charged with environmental violations
A five-year probe of the Philadelphia School District’s compliance with federal asbestos regulations entered a new phase Thursday as the school board signed off on a deferred prosecution agreement. The agreement makes a national example of Philadelphia: it’s the first time ever that a school district has been criminally charged with such environmental violations, federal authorities said. David Metcalf, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, said the agreement “affords the government the highest available level of prosecutorial and judicial oversight over the School District of Philadelphia and its efforts to comply with its legal obligations to provide safe schools.” The district must report to a court and follow a judge’s recommendations for five years or face prosecution. Philadelphia’s school system complied with the probe and has now caught up and vowed to keep pace with federal requirements. The district plans to inspect all buildings twice a year.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 6/26/2025
Opinion: Council tradition shouldn’t upend Mayor Parker’s housing plans
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has made housing the central issue of her mayoralty, pledging to build or preserve 30,000 homes in the city. City council, despite some misgivings over the cost, signaled its support, as well, recently voting overwhelmingly in favor of the mayor’s housing plan. Despite the rhetoric, however, actions by two councilmembers provide a reminder that council — and the tradition of allowing district representatives to control decisions in their territory, known as councilmanic prerogative — remains the greatest obstacle to accomplishing the mayor’s goal. For advocates, developers and community members who support the projects, the greatest source of frustration may come from the fact that councilmanic prerogative is a norm, not a rule. There is no law on the books that requires all land-use decisions be made by district council members. Council should not allow a single person to make these decisions, writes the editorial board of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 6/26/2025
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