Chester County presents preliminary 2026 budget with no tax increase; $778.6M consolidated total

County finance staff presented the preliminary operating and capital budget for 2026, emphasizing conservative assumptions because of recent federal and state budget uncertainty.

Julie Bullheimer explained the budget was prepared before full clarity on federal and Commonwealth decisions and therefore emphasizes fiscal caution and flexibility. Key figures presented included a preliminary operating budget of approximately $666,300,000 and a consolidated total of about $778,632,816. The county’s preliminary real estate tax rate was reported at 5.164 mills—unchanged from 2025—which means the administration proposed no tax increase for 2026.

Bullheimer said operating departmental earnings decreased by about 3% (approximately $2.2 million) and that the budget included personnel cost growth of 0.7%. She noted the elimination of 34 full-time and 30 part-time positions for estimated savings of approximately $2.2 million across funds. On capital, the presentation included a projected $22.9 million borrowing for ongoing and new projects and a capital program increase of $18.5 million; examples cited included corner facility renovations, Justice Center elevator upgrades, and prison improvements.

The budget also identifies federal and state grants as a significant revenue source (45% of operating revenue in the presentation listed as other federal and state grants) and reminded the board that remaining ARPA funds must be disbursed by Dec. 31, 2026. Finance scheduled the formal budget approval meeting one month from the presentation.