The Montgomery County Commissioners have voted 2-1 in favor of advertising the $530 million county budget for 2023 which carries an 8% tax increase and an $18.6 million operating deficit, according to The Reporter.
Democrat Commissioners Ken Lawrence and Dr. Valerie Arkoosh voted in favor of advertising the budget, with Republican Commissioner Joe Gale voting against the budget.
According to the article, county Chief Financial Officer Dean Dortone suggested an 8% increase, raising the millage rate to 4.237 mills for 2023, which would generate nearly $20 million in new tax revenue. More than half of Montgomery County’s revenues are from property taxes.
The need for the tax increase, according to Arkoosh: Just like families and businesses, the county too has faced “significant pressure” on its finances. It is still reeling from the pandemic and global events, as well as high inflation and $24 million in hotel, transportation and cleanup expenses from Hurricane Ida, per the report.
Gale cried foul, per the report. He said the budget has “higher spending, higher borrowing, higher debt, and higher taxes.”
“Now we can blame Hurricane Ida, we can blame the Ukrainian invasion and that impact on high gas prices and high inflation, but ultimately we have out-of-control spending in Montgomery County,” Gale said.
Per the article, Gale said 42% of the capital fund budget, or $112 million, is going toward the county Justice Center project — a new $415-million, 508,000-square-foot facility that broke ground last year on Main Street in Norristown.
Read more on the budget tax increase debate here.
See also:
Montco Historic Homes Offer Holiday Tours and Events
Montco Issues ‘Code Blue’ Declaration Through Monday Morning
Montgomery County Announces Campaign Yard Sign Recycling Sites
‘Operation Safe Homes’ Gun Turn-in Event Scheduled for Two Days This Month
Montgomery County Announces Drug Take Back Day Event for Oct. 29
