New year, new taxes.
The beginning of the year has brought new changes in leadership and new charges to your tax bill. Here is what you can expect to pay this year.
To calculate tax costs, divide the millage rate by 1,000 and then multiply that number by the property’s assessed taxable value.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Commissioners voted 2-1 in December for a 5 percent tax increase.
The county millage rate was raised to 3.632, and the 0.39 mill rate to support the community college did not change. Total millage for the county is 4.022.
It means about $29 more in county and Montgomery County Community College real estate taxes.
The county's board of commissioners approved Thursday a 5% tax increase, raising the millage to 3.632. The county also assesses 0.39 mill to support Montgomery County Community College. That tax did not go up, resulting in a total county millage of 4.022.
Chief Financial Officer Dean Dortone said the average single-family home will be charged $617 in 2021, up about $29, eight cents per day more over a year, per WFMZ.
Hatfield Borough
The millage rate was set at 3.25 mills, up from 2.25 mills in 2021. For a house assessed at $170,000, this would equate to $552.50 in municipal real estate taxes for 2021.
A new tax collector was voted into office in November 2021: Democrat Mohammed Haque. He officially received 365 votes over Republican challenger Michelle Kroesser’s 348 votes. Haque replaces outgoing retiring tax collector Nancy DeFinis.
Council approved Jamie Snyder for interim borough manager, as Michael DeFinis has retired the job.
A new mayor was voted into office as well. Longtime Republican incumbent Robet L. Kaler III received only 325 votes in the General Election to Democrat Mary Anne Girard’s 381 votes.
Democrats were also victorious in the Hatfield Borough Council race. Jason Ferguson, Jimmy Fagan Jr. and Rich Girard received the most votes for three open seats, beating out Republicans Larry Burns, John Kroesser and Julian Collice.
Hatfield Township
No tax increase for eighth straight year. Millage remains at 5.221 mills.
Read more on Hatfield Township’s tax structure here.
Hatfield Township has a new tax collector in Republican Daniel Reavy, who replaces retiring longtime tax collector Christina Murphy. Reavy received 2,364 votes in the General Election, while Democrat challenger Katelyn Lampley garnered 2,251 votes.
Hatfield Township Commissioners President Tom Zipfel, a Republican, was victorious in retaining his seat in the Election, garnering 666 votes to Democrat Donald McGowan’s 455 votes. Commissioner Robert Rodgers also retains a seat in Ward 2, beating out Karla D’Alessio with 368 votes.
Lansdale Borough
Lansdale Council unanimously approved a 2022 budget with a 0.5-mill tax increase, totaling out at 6.25 mills for 2022.
The $17.6 million budget had a $550,000 deficit attributed to capital projects and high employee costs.
In the Election, Ward 1 residents gained two Democrats as their representatives, both women: Mary Fuller and Rachael Bollens. Three challengers were vying for two open seats in Ward 1. Republican Yanni Lambros received 355 votes, but Fuller and Bollens garnered 749 votes and 731 votes, respectively.
Democrat Andrew Carroll had no challengers in his Ward 2 race. Democrats Carrie Hawkins Charlton and Mark Ladley are now representing Ward 3. They had no Republican challengers.
The mayor and tax collector positions remain the status quo.
Montgomery Township
Montgomery Township Supervisors hit the township with its first tax increase in 15 years.
The millage rate went up by 1 mill, to 2.49 mills. It will generate $1.9 million in revenue, as it was reported that transfer of money for fire services, parks and debt service this year would have depleted township reserves.
“This millage increase creates a necessary funding source for our debt service related to the community and recreation center, and planned capital improvements, and will also help fund critical fire safety services,” said supervisors Chairwoman Tanya Bamford.
Montgomery Township Supervisors welcomed two Democrats to the board in 2021. Candyce Fluehr Chimera, a former Republican and now longest-serving incumbent, and Audrey Ware, received more votes over their Republican challengers Rick Miniscalco and Joanne Cunningham.
Montgomery Township incumbent Republican tax collector Patricia Gallagher edged out her Democrat opponent Mark Klemmer by 800 votes to win another 4-year term.
North Wales Borough
Just like in neighboring Lansdale Borough, North Wales residents were hit with a 0.5-mill tax increase this year, from 5.501 to 6.0 mills. The tax increase raises the tax bill for a property with an average assessed value of $120,000 from about $664 to $724 for 2021. If you have a property assessed around $200,000, expect to pay about $1,200 in borough taxes this year.
Democrats cleaned up in North Wales in the Election. Tim Weir had no challengers for his re-election. Neil McDevitt beat incumbent Republican Mayor Greg D’Angelo by eight votes.
Sally Neiderhiser and Johnn Fox are now representing Ward 3, as are Sarah Whelan and Alexander Groce in Ward 2. Eion Gerald O’Neill had no challengers for his Ward 1 council seat.
Towamencin Township
No tax increase for 2021. The millage rate remains at 4.558.
Supervisors did approve a sewer rental fee increase, the first since 2008.
Towamencin Township landed its first Democrat on the board of supervisors since the 1990s. Joyce Ferguson Snyder joined the board of supervisors this year as the sole Democrat; she is now one of three women who comprise the board of supervisors. Republican Kristin Warner received enough votes to take the second of two open seats on the supervisors in the General Election. Warner received 2,770 votes over incumbent Republican Dan Bell’s 2,737 votes and Democrat Steve Kulp’s 2,654 votes.
Towamencin Tax Collector Robert Di Domizio Jr. was victorious in his race against Democrat challenger Desmeyon McGruder and claims another four-year term. Democrat Melissa Fusco, wife of newly re-elected North Penn School Board Vice President Christian Fusco, eked out a win over incumbent Republican Joseph Gibbons in the auditor race.
Upper Gwynedd Township
No tax increase in the Upper Gwynedd Township 2022 budget. The millage rate remains at 2.041 mills.
With Jane Murray not seeking re-election as tax collector, Democrat Erica Koebert was successful in the General Election, beating out Republican Wendy Beatty-Burg by nearly 370 votes. Commissioners Liz McNaney and Denise Hull were victorious in the race for two open seats on the Board of Commissioners. Republican challenger Michelle Rupp received 2,227 votes, whereas McNaney and Hull received 3,004 votes and 2,905 votes, respectively. Democrat Dave Hull beat out Republicans Mark Methlie and Fred Jauss in the township constable race.
North Penn School District
North Penn School District operates on a fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30. A new school budget is expected to be passed in June 2022. The current millage rate for 2021-22 is 27.5369 mills.
See also:
Lansdale Makes History as 4 Women are Sworn-in to Borough Council
Montgomery Township Swears In New Township Officials for 2022
North Wales Borough Makes History as First Deaf Mayor Sworn-in Monday Night
Stephens Announces Grant Approval to Rehabilitate Fellowship Park
