Chester council adopts 2025 budget, tax and fee ordinances; approves several resolutions

The Chester City Council on Dec. 18 adopted the city's 2025 budget and approved a series of related ordinances and resolutions, voting unanimously on the measures after brief remarks and staff clarifications.

The budget ordinance — listed as Bill No. 11 / Ordinance No. 10 of 2024 — sets the 2025 general fund at $62,749,420 and lists total general fund expense before unpaid pensions at the same figure. The council recorded the city's prior-year unpaid pensions at $43,200,000, producing a total general fund expense of $105,942,420 when that liability is included. Mayor Ruth said the budget closes a looming shortfall and that the city had "$7,000,000 less" in the coming-year spending plan compared with prior projections. She added the budget was adopted "without having to lay off a single person." Chief Financial Officer Richard Trautman told the council the parking revenue increases shown in the budget are a placeholder tied to an upcoming parking contract and include parking tax revenues from large event sites.

Why it matters: Council members and staff framed the package as a fiscally responsible plan to maintain city services while making targeted capital investments in paving, blight removal and public works facilities. The measures also set tax rates and fees that govern 2025…