Chester County Board of Commissioners voted to raise the county’s portion of their property taxes by 13 percent next year over residents’ objections, writes Katie Bernard for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

The Democratic-controlled board voted 2-1 along party lines to approve next year’s budget, which includes the tax increase, despite an hour of public comments urging commissioners to find cost-saving alternatives. 

“Everything in this budget that you see here goes towards important projects,” said Commissioner Eric Roe, the only Republican on the board. “Even so, I don’t think that Chester County can afford this tax hike.” 

As part of the $730 million budget for 2025, the tax hike will help cover increased SEPTA funding, infrastructure projects, and staff salaries. One of the largest increases compared to last year’s budget is an additional $20 million toward personnel. 

According to Josh Maxwell, chair of the county board of commissioners, the increase is partly driven by improvements to the county prison, new police radios, and expanded funding for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. 

“In Chester County, I think prisons, police, and social workers are that important,” said Maxwell, a Democrat. 

Read more about the property tax increase in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

________