2027 City Budget and Property Tax Increase
Summary
Department after department presented pared-down 2027 budgets with 10% non-personnel cuts: the law office cut outside counsel 20%, IT is down $461,942 with big tech projects deferred, and the Controller's office asked for one auditor to preserve institutional knowledge before a key retirement.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 4
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Oct 15, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Most departments absorbed 10% non-personnel cuts; the Controller wants roughly $74,000-$92,000 more for an auditor position.
Depends on final amendments; the Controller argues better audits protect taxpayer dollars.
Advocates warn unhoused residents could be harmed if $100,000 in emergency homelessness funding is not restored before winter.
Mentions & discussions (5)
City Council — November 11, 2026
Department after department presented pared-down 2027 budgets with 10% non-personnel cuts: the law office cut outside counsel 20%, IT is down $461,942 with big tech projects deferred, and the Controller's office asked for one auditor to preserve institutional knowledge before a key retirement.
City Council — October 28, 2026
The proposed $257.3 million budget includes a $153 million general fund and a millage rate of 7.67, costing most residents about $1.75 a month more. Cuts to parks, health, and other departments offset expiring police and fire grants and inflation.
Allentown propone un aumento de impuestos de casi 4% para el año 2027
ALLENTOWN, Pa.- Los residentes de Allentown podrían pagar más impuestos el próximo año bajo una propuesta de presupuesto presentada por el alcalde Matt Tuerk. El plan, de 257.3 millones de dólares, incluye un aumento de impuestos a la propiedad del…
City Council — October 15, 2026
Mayor Tuerk introduced the 2027 city budget, which includes a modest 3.81% property tax increase (about $1.75 per month for the average homeowner) and spending cuts across city departments. The budget aims to maintain essential municipal services like police and fire response while balancing rising operating costs without drawing down reserve funds.
City Council — January 13, 2026
City Council passed the 2026 municipal budget after months of delay, preserving the mayor's proposed 3.96% tax increase and solid waste fee structure while incorporating administrative adjustments. Discussions highlighted friction between council authority and state-mandated budget deadlines.
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