Chester County Council approves budget ordinance with no tax increase; adds public safety staff and pay adjustments

Chester County Council approved the reading of Ordinance 2025-11, the county's fiscal year 2025'26 operating and capital budget, after staff highlighted changes carried forward from the previous year and personnel and service investments.

County budget staff told the council there will be no tax increase for the coming year and that the general fund balance is projected to be $36,996,518. The presentation noted the county's fund-balance policy sets a target of 50 percent of the general fund and that capital reserves are projected to increase to about $4.8 million in 2026.

"There is no tax increase for the year," said the county presenter during the reading. The budget includes continued implementation of a multi-year pay study and reclassification process intended to improve recruitment and retention. The plan as presented includes a 7% increase for sheriff's deputies, a 9%…