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Allentown council opts to use $1.5M in reserves to avoid immediate property tax hike

Allentown City Council · November 19, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The Allentown City Council voted to draw $1.5 million from closing funds to avert a proposed property tax increase, amid debate over long-term fiscal risks, service priorities and an administration proposal for a smaller trash fee instead.

Allentown City Council voted to take $1,500,000 from the city's closing fund balance to adopt a budget without an immediate property tax increase, a decision supporters said would spare residents a near-term hike but critics warned could weaken the city's long-term fiscal position.

The motion, introduced on the floor as an amendment to the mayor's proposed budget, was made by Chairwoman Moda and seconded by Council member Gerlach before garnering a roll-call majority. The amendment passed after council members voted on the measure during the special meeting.

Mayor Turk, whose administration proposed a package that included a 4% property tax…

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