Tax Hike Proposed In 2025 Lower Merion Budget, First Since 2011

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — For the first time since 2011, Lower Merion Township property owners could see a higher tax bill.

The proposed 2025 budget features the first real estate millage hike in 14 years.

As it stands, the budget features a 5 percent increase in the millage rate.

Should it pass, the rate would go up from 4.19 mills to 4.40 mills. That means a property assessed at $300,000 would see a real estate tax bill of $1,320.

The proposed increase is "due to expenditure growth and an expected decline in non-tax revenues," according to budget documents. This increase is expected to bring in $1.6 million.

Without the increase, the township's budget would feature a deficit of more than $7.3 million.

"At current reserve levels, the Township could weather such a deficit within one year, but this would also put the Township in worsened financial position as it enters its next budgetary cycle for 2026," according to budget documents. "As such, revenue enhancing policy action in 2025 is warranted. Township staff recommend a reduction of this potential budgeted deficit by at least $3.0 million for 2025."

Revenues in the proposed budget stand at $75.780 million, a 4.5 percent increase from the 2024 adopted budget. Expenditures are budgeted at $80.13 million, up 4.0 from 2024.

The second public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Dec. 4 and budget adoption is scheduled for Dec. 18.

Meeting agendas will available online here after 5 p.m. the Friday before the upcoming meeting.