A 0.5 mill property tax increase is proposed, equating to an additional $50 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
The $123.3 million proposed budget is balanced, but budgetary cuts were necessary to achieve this.
Key factors driving the tax increase include rising healthcare costs, increased juvenile probation service expenses, and long-term debt.
The county aims to avoid using its fund balance (savings account) to cover deficits.
Budget includes cuts to 31 vacant positions to reduce payroll obligations by about $2,000,000 next year.
Why this matters: This tax increase will directly impact Lycoming County residents, increasing their property tax bills. It also reflects the financial challenges faced by local governments in balancing essential services with rising costs.
Lycoming County's proposed 2026 budget reflects a challenging financial landscape. The county has been grappling with rising healthcare costs, increased demands for essential services, and pressure to address long-term capital needs. To balance the budget without drawing from the fund balance, commissioners are proposing a 0.50-mill property tax increase, bringing the county rate to 7 mills.
Key Factors Contributing to the Tax Hike:
Rising Healthcare Costs: Healthcare costs have increased by approximately $4.63 million.
Increased Juvenile Probation Services: Juvenile probation services have increased by an additional $2.68 million.
Long-Term Debt: The county faces significant long-term borrowing, including $27 million in landfill bonds and $57 million in additional county bonds with maturities extending into the 2030s and 2040s.
The commissioners have already cut $28 million from the budget over the last two years, including the elimination of 31 vacant positions. The proposed budget will be available for public review, with a final vote scheduled for December 18, 2025.
How to Prepare:
Review the proposed budget on the county's website to understand the specific areas of spending and revenue.
Attend public meetings or submit comments to voice your concerns or suggestions.
Consider how the tax increase will impact your personal finances and adjust your budget accordingly.
Who This Affects Most:
Homeowners in Lycoming County will be directly affected by the property tax increase.
Residents who rely on county services may be indirectly affected by potential budget cuts or service reductions.
Q: Why is Lycoming County raising taxes?
The county is raising taxes to address rising healthcare costs, increased juvenile probation service expenses, and long-term debt, while also avoiding the use of its fund balance to cover deficits.
Q: How much will the tax increase be?
The proposed tax increase is 0.5 mills, which translates to an additional $50 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
Q: When will the final vote on the budget take place?
The final vote on the budget is scheduled for December 18, 2025.
Lycoming County is facing financial challenges due to rising costs and long-term debt.
A property tax increase is proposed to balance the 2026 budget.
The county has already implemented significant cost-cutting measures.
Residents are encouraged to review the budget and provide feedback.
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