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District, board press legislators over multi‑county millage that sharply raises Chadds Ford taxes
Summary
Administrators and board members described how the two‑county millage calculation pushed Delaware County homeowners to an 11.48% increase and said district lawmakers have cosponsored legislation to allow an alternative carry of the Act 1 index for multi‑county districts.
Board members and administrators used the May 6 budget hearing to call attention to a multi‑county millage calculation that, they said, unfairly shifts tax burden onto Chadds Ford Township homeowners in Delaware County.
Finance director mister Dady explained the technical driver: the district must split the required real‑estate revenue share between Chester and Delaware counties using market values that are two years old. Because Delaware County’s market value rose sharply in the referenced year while assessments fell after appeals, the formula requires a larger percent of revenue to come from Delaware County property owners. "Delaware County's market value went up by 16%...21.337 is the highest percent that in those 45 years," he said.
Superintendent doctor Sandoval said the district has repeatedly raised the issue with state legislators, provided draft legislation and that there is currently a bill on both the House and Senate sides; he said all four of the district’s legislators are cosponsors of the measures under discussion. Board members said legislative change would not arrive in time for the immediate budget, and urged administration to examine short‑term offsets such as higher investment‑income projections or program deferrals.
Next steps: administration said it will continue to coordinate with legislators, track the bill, and present the board with options to reduce the immediate county‑level millage impact at forthcoming budget meetings.
