The Bucks County Budget: A Case of Financial Gymnastics
DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Commissioners, perhaps inspired by Olympic gymnastics, have unveiled a stunning $517 million plan to keep the government afloat through 2026. They’ve declared this budget a “course” forward. It sounds great until you realize it’s more like a rollercoaster – thrilling but possibly terrifying.
Taxes: The New County Sport
In a move reminiscent of a poorly played game of Monopoly, the budget does come with a twist: a 2.2-mill increase in real estate taxes, adding around $70 to your annual dues. Who knew supporting local government would feel like hosting a surprise party where you’re the one footing the bill?
Values and Public Safety: A Delicate Balancing Act
According to Commissioner Chair Bob Harvie, a budget is a “statement of your values.” How charming! With the new budget, they’re evidently stating that they value public safety, education, and perhaps a sprinkle of irony. Towards this end, they plan to expand the Human Services Hub, build a cutting-edge Lower Bucks Government Services Center, and—drumroll, please—finally fulfill a 50-year promise to Bucks County Community College. Better late than never!
The Economic Funhouse
This budget triumph comes after a year that could only be described as “troubled.” Rising costs? Check. Economic uncertainty? Double-check. A federal government that sometimes seems to be playing hide-and-seek with your tax dollars? Absolutely! Commissioner Vice Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia weighed in on these delightful ‘games’ by emphasizing a commitment to invest in things that county residents actually care about. Like those never-ending potholes, perhaps?
The Ironic Budget Balancing Act
The county managed to balance this financial masterpiece while trying to navigate inflation costs. They kept the property tax increase at around $6 per month for the average household. Quite the feat! Just think of it as a special tax gift—after all, who wouldn’t want to celebrate the “joy” of taxes each month?
Dramatic Developments and Mental Health Meltdowns
Developing the 2026 budget came at a time when the state was undergoing what can only be described as “the great budget standoff” coupled with a historic federal government shutdown. This comedy of errors led the county to withdraw a staggering $27 million from its fund balance. Talk about budget management skills! They even made early payments to the community college just so it could remain functional—possibly a miracle considering the circumstances.
Future Challenges: The Plot Thickens
While the county anticipates receiving some reimbursements, they are bracing for new stresses. After all, the recently passed state budget has made cuts to mental health funding for counties. Who knew that helping citizens could be so financially complicated? It’s almost as if they look forward to added stress, like a bad sequel that no one wanted but everyone’s forced to watch.
The Final Touches
To wrap it all up in style, the budget includes a $3 million upgrade to the public safety radio system—because no one wants their firefighters and paramedics relying on walkie-talkies from the ’90s. The operating budget also generously covers essential departments: from Aging Services to Parks & Recreation. It’s like a buffet where you can choose between the aggrieved and the aging and leave no one truly satisfied.
Want to dive deeper into the intricate maze that is the county budget? Click here for the full 2026 operating budget—if you dare. You may find it a riveting read, or at least a good reminder of why financial statements do not make for bedtime stories.
