EASTON, Pa. – Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure kicked off his budget address for the upcoming year by stating that he’s long worked to lower taxes in the county.
“For as many years as I can recall, I’ve been attempting to reverse the tide of the over taxation of the citizens of Northampton County,” McClure said.
- Northampton County's proposed budget for next year will keep the property tax rate at 10.8 mills.
- The new budget will keep a surplus of $18 million, down from goals of $50 million to $60 million in previous years.
- Concerns about an increase in warehouses in the region and the uptick of tractor trailers traffic have risen in recent years
- County spending would be cut $7.1 million but still provide funding for important programs
And while this year’s budget proposal won’t lower taxes, it will keep them at the rate they have been since property taxes were reduced 8.5-percent last year.
McClure’s $544 Million budget proposal for 2023 will keep the property tax rate at 10.8 mils.
“It’s wrong to overtax our citizens,” he said.
McClure said the budget will help erase years of overtaxing the community, as there had long been what he called a “gentleman’s agreement” in place to keep a $50 or $60 million surplus in the county. McClure said that led to overtaxation.
Instead, he said the new budget continues a process of running a general fund surplus of about $18 million.
"It's wrong to overtax our citizens."Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure
With the proposal, McClure said the county cuts overall spending about $7.1 million, while still providing funds for greenspace preservation, letting the county maintain service at previous levels and provide funding for Gracedale Nursing Home.
He detailed many of his goals for the budget earlier this year, during his state of the county address. On Monday, he reinforced the county’s need to be fiscally conscious with taxpayer funds.
“Being a good steward of taxpayer funds is one of our administration's crowning achievements,” McClure said.
The county executive also promised that he is working to “push back against reckless spending.”
However, when asked for examples, McClure refused to elaborate, instead noting that the county is cutting spending and that he remains vigilant to ensure funds aren’t spent recklessly.
Northampton County Council will review McClure’s proposal and are expected to hold a vote on the proposal Dec. 1.
The county needs to pass a final budget by mid-December.
