ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The City of Allentown still needs a budget for 2026.
City council is holding a special meeting Tuesday night for another go at getting something passed.
The plan voted on by council earlier this month was vetoed by Mayor Matt Tuerk because it did not include his administration’s 3.96% property tax increase.
“I vetoed it because I don’t believe in unbalanced budgets. I don’t think we should be dipping into reserves to pay for essential expenses and services,” Tuerk said.
The last time the city saw a property tax increase was in 2019, when former Mayor Ray O’Connell handed in his signed veto of bill 77, just seconds before the deadline — meaning council couldn’t override it.
That year, residents saw a 27% tax increase.
Tuerk says his administration’s proposed 3.96% increase would cost residents just over $2 more a month, and is necessary to keep the city fiscally sound.
City council members who oppose the property tax increase disagree with Tuerk’s decision.
“We in city council, we’re there to serve as a check and balance so I am very disappointed. The reality is the community at this point is hurting and they don’t want a tax increase,” says Cynthia Mota, City Council vice president.
On Tuesday night’s council meeting agenda is a resolution to override the mayor’s veto.
In order to do this, five out of seven council members would need to vote to override.
Also on the table is reinstating a proposed compromise by council, which would keep the property tax increase while reducing solid waste fees by $50.
If city council fails to override the veto or come to a compromise, the original budget presented on October 15th with the 3.96% property tax will be the budget for 2026.