READING, Pa. – The Berks County Commissioners gave county property owners a reason to be thankful just one week before Thanksgiving Day.

There will be no tax increase needed for county government in 2026.

The commissioners on Thursday morning voted to accept the proposed 2026 budget, with a plan to adopt the final budget Dec. 18.

The county tax rate will remain at 9.013 mills. That equates to an annual tax bill of $9.01 for every $1,000 of assessed property value, or $901 for a property assessed at $100,000.

Deputy CFO Laura Jones, who is anticipated to become the CFO in 2026, made the annual budget presentation.

Jones explained the budget process began in April and was a highly collaborative effort with the commissioners, all department heads and many representatives from various community service provider partners.

Jones said the process starts with the commissioners’ goals and objectives which included: a balanced operating budget without the use of reserves, no property tax increase, limiting wage growth to projected inflation, limiting headcount growth, addressing facility infrastructure needs without new debt or the use of reserves, no new unfunded programs, and maintaining commitment to farmland preservation, education, economic development, library and park systems.

In addition, the commissioners asked for the maintaining of long-term financial stability and prioritizing capital improvements to facilities, parks and bridge infrastructure projects and technology and software.

“After sorting out adjustments for restricted, committed or designated use of fund balance, we come to a net deficit of zero and a balanced budget,” Jones said. “This budget is consistent with the Government Finance Officers Association best practice of using general fund reserves for one-time capital improvements. We also believe this budget further supports the County’s efforts to preserve our AAA Moody’s bond rating and maintains our ability to be the highest quality and lowest level risk for a debt issuer.”

“Pursuant to our County Code, we are required to present an annual budget for the County’s general fund,” she added. “However, we hold ourselves accountable and transparent and therefore we budget for all county funds. As you can see, we are proposing a total general fund expenditure budget of $293.1. million and $672.5 million for all funds.”

Jones said there is an all-funds surplus of $2.9 million.

Jones said the county is projecting to see a decline in the tax base growth which would result from a high volume of tax assessment appeals. But in the 2026 budget, Jones said that tax revenue would be higher.

Jones said all the details of the proposed spending plan will be available on the county website.