Souderton Borough Council has approved a $5.7-million 2024 budget and tax ordinance that includes a 2.5-mill increase in real estate taxes. The municipality’s millage will increase from 6.65 mills to 9.15 mills.
A 9.15-mill tax on each dollar of assessed valuation is equal to the sum of 91.5 cents on each $100 of assessed valuation.
Mayor Dan Yocum reported that last year a home with an average assessment generated a municipal tax bill of $868 for the year, or $72 a month. In 2024, the tax bill for the same would be $1,200 a year or $100 a month, an estimated increase of $332 a year or $28 a month.
Adding in the Library Tax (.3 mills) and Fire Tax (.3 mills) raises the total municipal millage rate for residents to 9.75 mills
Council passed the budget with an 8-1 majority.
The dissenting vote was brought by Councilman Richard Walczak, who said Souderton’s history of annual tax and budget increases is making it difficult to afford to live in Souderton.
Walczak reported that when he moved to Souderton in 1998 his annual taxes were around $150. With the current tax increase, they’ll rise to nearly $1,100. He asked council reevaluate the 2024 budget and attempt to reduce the budget and spare the tax-paying citizens additional tax increases.
The 2024 budget hires two more full-time police officers, adds funds to the capital reserve and provides for an additional employee to support Parks & Recreation Department operations.
Souderton residents will also see a 5% increase in their sewer rates and a $5 hike in their trash disposal fees.
Council President Tracy Burke said no one on council had wanted to raise taxes and the body did deliberate over every dollar.
“We are doing the best we can to communicate our position,” Burke said. “We are very concerned with our senior citizens who are on a fixed income.”
He also stated that they want to provide a government that really serves and is action oriented, but that costs money.
In a recent letter to the Souderton Independent, Mayor Yocum described the increase as necessary to move the borough into the 21st Century, while prior budgets aimed to just get by each year.
“Despite operating on a shoestring budget in the past, you may have noticed that Souderton Borough has also raised taxes almost every year since I can remember,” he said in the statement.
He credited new Borough Manager Stacy Crandell with a dramatic shift in Souderton Borough Administration and the assessment of operations for savings and efficiencies. To make those plans happen, the borough needs adequate tax revenue.
“Souderton Borough Council is taking a bold step, acknowledging that some of you may not agree, but with the optimism that you will take notice of your tax dollars at work in 2024 and beyond,” Yocum concluded.
In other meeting news, council approved the Liquor License transfer for the Souderton Food Mart (Sunoco gas station) at 672 E. Broad St. Limited beer and wine will be sold, primarily for takeout, but customers will be permitted to eat a sandwich and have a beer or glass of wine.
Police Chief Brian Newhall reported year-to-date stats — 48 bus patrol citations, major crimes are down 26%, minor crimes are up 15% and arrests are down 10%.
The next Souderton Borough Council meeting — its reoganization — will be held Jan. 2.
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