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York County, Pennsylvania, officials are considering a property tax increase for the first time in three years due to rising costs and a delayed state budget. The proposed 2026 budget includes a one-mill tax increase, which would raise property taxes by $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value. This means a property assessed at $150,000 would see an increase of $150 in county property taxes.
President Commissioner Julie Wheeler explained that the county's current revenues are not keeping pace with the rising costs of mandated programs and services. The county has not raised taxes since 2022, and despite making $4 million in budget cuts last year, the financial strain persists. Wheeler emphasized that the county is committed to being fiscally responsible and maintaining services for York County residents.
The tax hike is partly due to increased employee wages, healthcare costs, and the lack of state funding for mental health and 911 services over the past 15 years. York County managed to keep its programs running during the recent five-month state budget impasse, which cost the county $10 million a month. The delay ended when Governor Josh Shapiro signed a $50.1 billion state budget.
County commissioners are expected to vote on the final budget at their meeting on December 17 (Wednesday). The budget figures may still change as the county awaits final funding numbers from the state.