9.5 Percent Tax Increase Looms In Lower Merion

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — As Lower Merion Township officials work to establish the 2026 budget, they are floating a real estate tax increase.

The proposed 2026 budget accounts for $79.3 million in revenues, and $83.8 million in expenditures. That leaves a $4.6 million gap, which will be covered by the $22.5 general fund, leaving that figure at $17.8 million.

The budget proposes a 9.5 percent real estate tax increase from 4.462 mills to 4.886 mills, and other increases, to offset that gap.

According to documents, a single family detached home assessed at the median value of $287,600 would pay an additional $122 in township real estate taxes in 2026 compared to 2025, bringing the total tax bill to $1,405.

That tax increase would generate $3.2 million when compared to 2025's tax revenue, and reduces the gap from $7.8 million to $4.6 million.

Additionally, the township is looking to increase parking meter rates from 50 cents per hour to $1 per hour, and to $1.50 per hour in some locations.

Officials say without these increases, the budget deficit would increase to about $8.5 million.

See the full 2026 budget proposal presentation online here.

The board of commissioners will vote to adopt the budget at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the second floor boardroom of the Lower Merion Township Administration Building, 75 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore.

In person and virtual attendance is permitted at the meeting. Those who want to participate virtually via Zoom should contact Lower Merion Township Secretary Jody Kelley at 610-645-6145 or at publiccomment@lowermerion.org before noon on Wednesday.

The meeting will also be viewable on LMTV, Comcast Cable Channel 7, Verizon FiOS Channel 37, and online here.