Montgomery County Votes to Raise Property Taxes: What Homeowners Need to Know
Montgomery County residents will soon feel the impact of a property tax increase. In a 2-1 vote, the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners approved a 9% hike, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This decision comes as the county faces a $16 million budget deficit, with officials citing inflation and rising costs as the primary reasons for the increase.
How Will This Impact Homeowners?
The tax increase applies to the 259,577 single-family homes in Montgomery County. According to the county’s budget proposal, the average homeowner will pay an additional $79 per year. While the commissioners emphasize that this amount is modest compared to rising costs, for many households, it’s yet another financial burden.
Norristown resident Latisha Bazemore expressed the challenge this creates for families already struggling with daily expenses:
"With everybody struggling to pay their bills to put food in their house, and now here's another bill on top of that they have to come up with."
Residents like David Morgan of Ambler attended the meeting to voice their opposition to the increase, reflecting concerns about the cumulative financial strain:
"As a taxpayer, I have a heart for other people trying to make ends meet today, between school tax raising and other things."
Why the Tax Hike?
County officials argue that the increase is necessary to maintain essential services. Board Chair Jamila H. Winder defended the decision, saying:
"I take fiduciary responsibility really seriously. There's no luxury spending that's happening here in Montgomery County."
The rising costs of public services, infrastructure, and inflationary pressures have left local governments with limited options to balance their budgets.
A Local Trend
Montgomery County’s decision follows similar tax hikes in neighboring counties:
Chester County recently approved a 13% increase.
Delaware County enacted a 23% increase.
While Montgomery County’s hike is comparatively smaller, it highlights a growing trend across the region as suburban areas grapple with increasing expenses.
What Can Homeowners Do?
For many, the increase underscores the importance of reviewing household budgets. Some residents may consider:
Appealing Property Assessments: Ensuring your property is fairly assessed can help reduce your tax burden.
Homestead Exemptions: If eligible, these can provide some relief by lowering the taxable value of your home.
Advocating for Transparency: Engage with local officials to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.
Looking Ahead
As Montgomery County prepares to implement the new budget, residents are left balancing personal financial responsibilities with the need to support public services. While the increase may seem small on paper, its effects can ripple through households already stretched thin.
For now, homeowners should focus on understanding their updated tax obligations and exploring any available avenues for relief.
