PALMER TWP., Pa. – Tax hikes and higher fees continue to cause frustration in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

“People are really struggling,” said Phil Quirk of Easton.

Taxes seemingly on the up and up for people across the region, leaving no end in sight.

In Northampton County, Quirk said he notices the trend when he volunteers at a local food pantry.

“We’ve gone in the space of like a year, year and a half. We’ve gone from getting maybe 10 people a night to getting 20-25,” said Quirk.

Meanwhile, Palmer Township residents are seeing a spike in their utility bills.

“I saw something went up like almost doubled or something like that,” said Quirk.

The township announced quarterly base sanitary sewer rates are jumping by 65% to cover service cost increases.

Officials said they recognize the difficulty for residents, but their old sewer rates were not keeping pace with the cost of the providing service.

The increase is growing frustrations.

One resident commented on social media in part, “I am trying to support a family of four. All the bills went up, all of them.”

Another added, “The problem is that the cost everything increasing… and a week’s notice is insufficient for some households. Particularly when families are getting ready to go back to school and every penny counts.”

Additionally, the township’s budget for this year increased property taxes by 13%.

Palmer officials said they will regularly review sewer revenues and expenses.

If anyone has questions, they are encouraged to contact the administrative office.

It’s one of many municipalities around the state dealing with higher taxes and fees.

Earlier this year, Easton Area School District adopted a budget with a 3.5% tax increase, affecting not only homeowners in Palmer Township but neighboring Forks Township and the city.   

Experts said many school districts and municipalities this year faced significant deficits and growing operational costs.

According to statistics from the Independent Fiscal Office, the 2024-2025 fiscal year marked the largest annual increase in school district property taxes since 2007 and 2008.

“I just hope things change,” Quirk said.