A total tax increase of 13.1% was authorized by the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors for the year 2026.
An increase of 1 mill for the general fund, an increase of.295 mill for the fire fund, and a reduction of .045 mill for the EMS tax are all part of the proposed budget. Although Chairman Jeffrey Young acknowledged it was an necessary, unavoidable situation.
Property taxes have been increased by the township for the second year running. Homeowners would see an 11% increase in their tax bill in 2025. Between 2019 and 2024, the municipality did not provide any increases to the property owners.
A rate of 4.52 mills per dollar of assessed valuation is proposed for the general fund in the 2026 budget. In terms of tax rates, it allocates 2.22% to the debt services fund and 2.36% to the park and leisure fund. The road equipment fund has a tax rate of .25%, while the fire fund's rate is .65%. These factors add up to a real estate tax of 10.0 mills for the township in 2026, up from 9.0 mills in 2025—a little over an 11% increase.
A specialized tax of .205 mills goes for emergency medical services, and .545mills goes into the fire services fund (which is distinct from the fire fund). For 2026, the overall specialty tax will be 0.75 mills, up from 0.50 mills in 2025.
Real estate and specialty taxes added together will result in a total rate of 10.75 mills in 2026. This is an increase of 13.1% from 9.50 mills in 2025.