Resident urges Montgomery County commissioners to pursue audits and curb spending amid rising taxes
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Summary
A Lower Salford resident criticized rising county spending and taxes at the Dec. 4 Montgomery County budget hearing, cited a Philadelphia Inquirer report alleging misconduct by a county IT official, and urged the commissioners to pursue independent audits and aim for zero tax increases over the next three years.
Michelle Engarto of Lower Salford Township told commissioners she was disappointed by another proposed tax increase and provided figures she said show substantial long-term growth in county spending.
"It's now a certainty that every year at this time, we'll receive the bad news from our commissioners about increased spending by Montco and more taxes," Engarto said. She said her analysis found a $215,000,000 increase in spending since 2019 and projected an average annual rise of about $28,000,000 if current trends continue. She also said total wages and benefits rose by $33,000,000 in 2025 and now account for roughly 48% of county expenditures.
Engarto cited a Philadelphia Inquirer story alleging wrongdoing by a former county official and called on the commissioners to conduct independent audits to "find incorrect errors and improprieties" and restore taxpayer confidence. She asked the board to pursue a goal of a 0% tax increase over the next three years and to find savings while maintaining needed services.
Why this matters: The public comment highlights resident concern about fiscal management and transparency at a time of notable budget increases. The transcript records the request for audits and planning goals but does not record any county response or commitment to the specific audit actions cited.