Bucks County 2025 Budget
The Bucks County 2025 fiscal year budget was passed unanimously by the County Commissioners has $499.8 million in expenditures. This year’s Operating Budget represents a modest 2.7% increase over 2024 with a projected surplus of just over $350,000. The departmental details are not available to date. We reviewed the Bucks County’s budget that is provided and here are a few of our takeaways:
Operating Budget Expenditures
- Health & Human Services: $240 million (48%)
- Judicial: $78 million (15.6%)
- County Administration: $85 million (17%)
- Corrections: $46 million (9%)
- Debt Service: $29 million (6%)
- Public Safety: $30 million (6%)
Budget Revenue Sources
These numbers are based upon the Preliminary Budget Presentation on December 2, 2024. There were only two members of the public in attendance who asked the majority of the questions. Mr. Boscola, the Chief Financial Officer actually answered their questions, a rarity in many county meetings.
- State Grants: 44.6%
- Federal Grants: 9%
- Real Estate Taxes: 32.1%
- Departmental: 14.3%
Additional Thoughts
FEDERAL & STATE GRANTS
More than half of the county’s anticipated revenue, 52%, is derived from federal and state grants. Although we do not have the details yet, past budgets tell us that most of those grants go to fund community, health and human services. Being that reliant on federal and state dollars is something the county should be taking into consideration.
Bottom line…
Bucks County maintained the 2024 tax millage for the county and was able to produce a budget with a modest surplus. However, it appears they are heavily dependent upon state and federal grants as sources of revenue. We look forward to reviewing the details of the Bucks County Budget when they becomes available.
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