Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chester County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in budget
earned income tax increase for fire/EMS funding
Newlin Township is considering raising its local earned income tax from 0.5% to 0.6% to fund fire and EMS services. That’s a 20% hike in the local rate, and it would come straight out of workers’ paychecks. A public hearing Monday is the public’s chance to weigh in before it moves forward.
Tax Reduction
Honey Brook Township is looking at cutting the local open-space income tax by a massive 80%, which would put some extra cash back in residents' pockets. If it passes, your next tax bill could actually look a little lighter.
Intermediate Punishment Treatment Programs and Grant Funding
The county updated its sentencing alternative program, backed by $500,000 in grant funding, to divert nonviolent offenders and certain driving-under-suspension cases to electronic monitoring.