Budget unanimously adopted on Nov. 17, 2020
The 2020 effect on the 2021 budget
There is no denying the toll that the coronavirus pandemic has had on communities throughout the country, and Norristown is no different. In the spring, council approved to remove the penalty phases of paying real estate property taxes, giving property owners until Dec. 31 to pay their tax bills in full. These collection rates have been tracking OK, but lower than in years passed. Real estate taxes aside, the municipal operating budget also depends on business taxes and the Earned Income Tax, collection of both are down due to unemployment and business closures. Still, the government has been operating within its budget for 2020.
Preliminarily, the $37.3 million budget is facing a $2.5 million shortfall. Public hearings began in early October. Council heard about the proposed $36.3 million budget at their Oct. 20 work session which brought more information than in the preliminary budget. Namely, there was a recommended three-pronged approach to close the gap: use $826,000 in fund balance; expenses are cut by $854,000; and there is a tax increase of 1 mill to 16 mills. The tax increase will equal a $60 increase in their tax bill for the average residential family dwelling. Council approved to have this budget advertised to the public from Oct. 21 to Oct. 31.
Public comment and questions on the budget can be sent to PIO@norristown.org
Documents
Ordinance 20-16 (adoption of the 2021 budget)
Proposed 2021 Budget Presentation (PDF)
Proposed 2021 Budget
Preliminary 2021 Budget Presentation (PDF)
Preliminary 2021 Budget Presentation (Powerpoint)
Public Hearings
Public hearings on the budget were on Oct. 1 at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
Video
Public hearing- Oct. 21, 6 p.m.
Public hearing- Oct. 6, 12 p.m.
The public did not engage in this hearing, but Municipal Administrator Crandall Jones provided a brief update about the status of future public hearings.
Public hearing- Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m.
The public did not engage in this hearing. Please see the video from the Oct. 1, 12 p.m. session.
Public hearing- Oct. 1, 12 p.m.