Tax Increase Proposed In 2026 Haverford Township Budget

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — Haverford Township residents will likely be paying more in local property taxes next year, as the township's preliminary 2026 budget features a millage increase.

The Haverford Township Commissioners Monday discussed the budget proposal, which floats a 3.3 percent property tax increase, bringing the proposed rate to 4.695 mills.

Also set to increase should the budget pass as it stands are trash and recycling fees. Those fees will go up $12, meaning the total fee will be $295 per residential unit.

"These increases are focused, minimal, and they're strategic," Haverford Township Manager Dave Burman said at the commissioner's meeting Monday.

According to budget documents, a township home with an average assessed value of $346,000 would have a tax impact of $51 per year. A home with a median assessed value of $306,000 would see a tax impact of $46 per year.

"This supports police, public works, trash and recycling, parks, recreation, all the things that make this township such a great place to live," Burman said.

Burman said over the past several years, inflation rose faster than the local tax rate, which is a "testament to our township employees who work very hard to maintain services and helping us pass the full impact of rising costs onto our residents."

The total budget stands at $81.7 million, with the general fund at $57.7 million. Below is a breakdown of the general fund's uses:

• General Government — $2.8 million
• Auxiliary — $3.2 million
• Public Safety — $26.9 million
• Parks & Recreation — $6 million
• Debt Service — $5.2 million
• Public Works — $13.6 million

Below are revenue projections for the general fund:

• Department Earnings — $9.3 million
• Grants & gifts — $3.6 million
• Interfund transfer & fund balance — $4.4 million
• Licenses & permits — $2.5 million
• Local Enabling Taxes — $5.5 million
• Other income, interest & rents — $2.9 million
• Real Estate Taxes — $29.5 million

Burman's budget presentation is available to review online here.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the 2026 preliminary budget.

They will vote to adopt the budget at 7 p.m. Dec. 8.