ALLENTOWN, Pa. – On Thursday, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk proposed the 2027 city budget, which includes a property tax increase for residents.

The $257.3 million spending plan includes a 3.81% property tax hike.

Tuerk says problems like speeding are a major concern in Allentown, and while public safety ranks high on the 2027 budget list, he says this is going to be somewhat of a give-and-take situation.

“This is a balanced budget,” he said.

“We’re going to ask your average taxpayer to pay about 1.75 more per month in property taxes,” Tuerk explains.

In comparison to proposed budgets in neighboring areas, the 3.81% property tax increase seems low, but residents say it will still sting.

“No one wants the taxes to raise, and for the everyday person it’s definitely going to suck at the end of the day,” resident Eva Wojcik said.

“Probably the most painful for a lot of our department heads, a 10% reduction across the board in our budget,” Tuerk said.

Those reductions include less fuel for the public works department, postponed studies and analyses, and personnel allotment for the police department.

But officials say the city is making up for it in other ways, as the mayor says the city’s biggest focus is on public safety.

“A full 56% of our tax dollars in the overall budget goes to police, fire, and EMS, achieving some of the lowest levels we’ve ever seen in aggravated assault and homicide,” Tuerk said.

Over 60% of the general fund comes from property tax and income tax.

The proposed $257.3 million budget supports public safety, economic mobility and community engagement.

Residents say they hope to continue to see those changes throughout Allentown.

“I’m really excited to see more change around here,” Wojcik said.

Now it’s up to Allentown City Council to deliberate on the 2027 budget. Members say there’s still a lot they want to know regarding the details.

City Council President Santo Napoli provided 69 News with a statement on the proposed budget:

“I’d like to thank Mayor Tuerk, Finance Director Bina Patel, and the administration for all the work put into preparing the 2027 city budget.

“I’m also thankful to Frank Kane, our managing director, who has included council over the last few months in the development of the 2027 budget.

“City Council has many public hearings scheduled over the next 45 days to better understand all aspects of the budget, including the cuts made by each of our departments, along with a review of the increases to the city budget.

“Continuing to deliver the essential city services our residents count on is very important to all of us. My colleagues and I will work diligently to review the budget presented by the administration. Council remains committed to ensuring fiscal responsibility and adding oversight so that our residents receive a balanced budget that meets everyone’s needs.”