Tax Hike Proposed In 2026 Horsham Budget

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — Township residents may seek a tax increase in the proposed 2026 municipal budget.

During a presentation at last Wednesday's Horsham Township Council meeting, officials outlined an 8 percent spending increase for the $23.98 million budget.

The proposed budget will raise taxes by 0.495 of a mill.

That translates to a $93.47 tax increase to a resident with an average home assessment of $188,836. If the budget is approved as is by the end of the year, residents would pay a municipal tax bill of $514.57.

As he does every year, Township Manager Bill Walker broke down the municipal budget costs.

Walker said the township had three major expenses in the 2026 budget that needed to be accounted for:

• The $658,441 fire department budget includes two new full-time positions. bringing the total to 12, to staff the township around the clock.
• The police department pension fund is 90 percent funded. The township faces a minimum payment of $275,000.
• The township also must install 40 ADA ramps required for road paving. The ramps will cost about $220,000.

Walker said the township will leave some positions vacant to keep curb budget costs. He also said that vehicle purchases will be delayed, the number of vehicles will be reduced, a new sign for Maple Park will be postponed, and improvements to the dog park will be pushed back.

The township will also use $500,000 from its reserves in the general fund.

The Township Council will review the budget at its Nov. 24 meeting with a vote scheduled for its Dec. 10 meeting.

The entire budge presentation can be seen at https://www.horsham.org/43897/2026-budget.