ALLENTOWN, Pa. –The finance committee of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners received a presentation on the 2027 proposed budget Wednesday night at the government center.
The proposed spending plan features a nearly 18% tax increase on property owners. This translates to a millage rate increase from 3.78 to 4.45.
County Executive Joshua Siegel blamed the increase primarily on decisions made prior to his tenure and costs out of his administration’s control. The tax increase will allow the county to spend money on services residents need and also to address fiscally negative trends.
The administration said the county’s tax revenue has been almost flat since 2011. To make matters more challenging, Lehigh County’s expenditures have outpaced revenue since 2018. From 2018 through 2026, revenue growth has increased 12%, while expenditures increased 28%.
The county’s fund balance needs to be reestablished with a $5 million contribution to restore Lehigh County’s reserves and provide stability.
One of the increased expenses in the 2027 spending plan involves healthcare costs, which the administration said feature a 11.8% annual projected hike. There is also a $1.5 million in new spending initiatives that include money for open space, “clean” elections, and the county’s stabilization fund. Siegel noted each of the initiatives would receive $500,000 in new spending.
“It is a new initiative,” Siegel said of the open space funding to protect farmland and make new parks, “but I think well within the spirit of a core and critical county function and a moral function to make sure that with preserve the quality of life in Lehigh County.”
The “clean” election anti-corruption fund would provide a government match for small-donor contributions made to politicians running for office if a candidate meets criteria. The funding would level the playing field and make elections fairer by offsetting wealthy donors, according to the executive.
If approved, Lehigh County’s proposed 18% property tax increase for 2027 would hit homeowners, and the costs could get passed down to renters.
George Rivera, chairman of the Lehigh County Republican Committee, told 69 News he isn’t on board with the fund.
“Candidates should earn the trust of the public,” Rivera said. “Taxpayers should not be forced to support a candidate that they may not side with.”
The 2027 proposed budget also addresses cost increases. These include a 3% increase for non-union employees, a $21 million contribution to the county pension plan, and a $6.7 million increase to pay for operating departmental increases.
Siegel’s budget calls also for spending $5 million to address a shortfall for Cedarbrook Nursing Home.
“We are a growing county and a growing region,” Siegel told the committee. “The demand on our services will only grow.”
The county’s department of administration is also seeking additional funds. The proposed budget calls for a new risk management coordinator position. The administration is proposing a $70,075 annual salary with a $28,030 benefit package, for a $98,150 total compensation.
Additional requests involve the addition of a driver’s license monitoring system for monitoring employee driving records, budgeting for Lehigh County membership in the International City/County Management Association along with attendance at the organization’s annual conference, and an employee engagement and appreciation program.
During public comment, one individual said taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize a politician’s campaign through their taxes, especially a candidate who does not represent their views. Another person said the administration’s budget, augmented by an 18% tax hike, is fiscally irresponsible.
View the meeting’s full agenda and documents on the Lehigh County website.