Bucks County officials face a $16.4 million budget gap as they work on a 2026 spending plan, according to preliminary budget released Wednesday morning.
The proposed budget for the county’s operations totals $516 million, a plan that projects a 3.2 percent spending increase over 2025.
When including state and federal pass-through funds, grant programs, and remaining American Rescue Plan Act money, the county expects to oversee a total of $746.6 million in spending next year
The preliminary budget does not call for a tax increase.
County officials project tax revenues will bring in close to $500 million, which is largely steady compared to the current fiscal year.
The county is expecting about $15 million in additional funding from the state government but anticipates a $20 million reduction in federal funds.
Revenue generated by various county departments and offices is projected to increase by roughly $6 million.
In a statement, county officials attributed the rising costs to multiple factors, including “ongoing inflation and uncertainty from tariffs coupled with impending state and federal budget cuts to critical services – services counties are still mandated to deliver.”
The uncertainty “combine to increase costs of contracts and supplies, applying further strain on the county’s budget.”
Bucks County budget planners developed the preliminary spending plan during now-resolved state budget impasse and a federal government shutdown.
The two issues required the use of millions of county dollars to cover lapses and are expected to cause budget impacts into 2026, the statement said.
In the statement, the county government officials said proposed spending increases are aimed at funding “required upgrades and replace public safety equipment and resources, fund critical capital improvements, and continue commitments to the library system and Bucks County Community College.”
Several row offices are projecting a decrease in spending. The coroner is projecting a 10.6 percent decrease, the district attorney’s office will spend 3 percent less, and the sheriff’s office will spend 1.5 percent less. Overall, the county’s row offices are planning for a net decrease in spending.
The commissioners will see spending for their offices decrease by 11.8 percent
Several offices and departments are planning for increased spending. The law department will see costs increase 19.6 percent. Voter registration and the elections office will see a 14.6 percent spending increase, and purchasing and the mail room will see costs rise by 20 percent.
The courts are projecting a 6.1 percent spending increase.
Spending is also expected to rise for corrections, emergency services, the Health Department, and Human Services. The budget for the offices of the Commissioners is set to decrease by 11.8 percent.
General services and community services are planning to spend less than in 2025.
The county expects to enter 2026 with a $76.8 million fund balance.
If the $16.4 million budget gap is not closed through cuts, the county could draw from this balance.
Chief Financial Officer Jeannette Weaver, who was recently appointed to the job, said officials are working to address the shortfall.
“Bucks County residents deserve stability, fiscal security and a high level of service from their County government,” Weaver said. “Over the next few weeks, we will continue working with our many departments and row officers to present a budget that meets those demands.”
The commissioners – two Democrats and one Republican – will review the plan alongside various county departments, row offices, and the courts.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the Administration Building in Doylestown Borough.
Commissioners are scheduled to consider and vote on a final budget at their Dec. 17 meeting.
The county previously imposed a slight tax increase in the 2024 fiscal year, which added up to roughly $60 per household, to address a structural deficit. Prior to that, the last tax hike took place in 2020.
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