ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk will not look to raise property taxes in next year's budget, he announced Tuesday.
The mayor’s 2025 budget — which he’s scheduled to propose next week to council — “will hold the line on property taxes” despite rising costs for the city, Tuerk said.
“Our team has worked to ensure that we can continue delivering critical services to our residents without placing an additional financial burden on homeowners,” he said in a statement.
Tuerk and council members sparred for much of last fall over his various proposals to raise the city’s property tax rate.
“Through careful planning and fiscal responsibility, we’ll be able to put forward a budget that supports the needs of the city without raising taxes."Bina Patel, Allentown finance director
Council rejected proposed increases of 6.9%, 4.57% and 2% before passing a budget in mid-December with no increase.
Tuerk vetoed a previous 2024 budget passed by council, but he allowed the council-constrained budget to take effect without his signature.
Tuerk and Finance Director Bina Patel warned last year that the 2024 budget’s lack of new revenues could force officials to consider a significant tax hike in 2025.
But the administration’s “thoughtful approach” allowed them to balance the budget without new revenues or cutting services, Patel said Tuesday.
“Through careful planning and fiscal responsibility, we’ll be able to put forward a budget that supports the needs of the city without raising taxes,” Patel said.
Council must adopt a budget by Dec. 31.
Council passed its final 2024 budget on Dec. 12.
With that budget, members authorized Tuerk’s administration to spend up to $142.9 million while raising only $142.2 million in revenues this year.
This report will be updated.
