Local Government – Bensalem Township

Bucks County Approves 1 Mill Tax Increase for 2020 to Cover Projected Shortfall

Published

7 years ago

January 26, 2019

Justice Building Facade The Bucks County Commissioners on last week passed a modest tax increase in approving the county’s 2020 budget of $452.6 million.

In addition to the one-mill tax hike, which will raise slightly more than $8 million, the commissioners approved the use of $7.6 million from the county’s $33.2 million general fund balance to help erase a significant deficit in the preliminary budget released last month.

Under the county’s current millage rate, the average property owner pays about $880 per year in county taxes. The one-mill increase would raise that by about $36.50 per year for the average taxpayer.

The final budget represents a 4.6 percent increase over the 2019 budget of $432.6 million. Commissioners’ and Commissioner Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia voted to approve it, while Vice Chairman Charles H. Martin voted against it. 2020 budget cover

Director of Finance and Administration David Boscola, who last month projected a preliminary deficit of $16.3 million at the current tax millage rate, said the annual budget contains “an enormous amount of fixed costs” that limit the county’s options in cutting spending.

Nonetheless, that deficit had been pared to less than half of the $39 million shortfall the county faced when initial budget requests came in.

“It again was a challenging year, and putting together this budget for 2020 wasn’t easy,” Loughery said, “but I think we’ve come up with an in-the-middle sort of solution before us here today.”

Much of the shortfall was attributed to increased pay and benefits for employees, along with reduced revenues in some departments.

Marseglia said she was “thrilled” that the budget provides for additional staffing to meet the needs of the Children & Youth Social Services agency. “This is going to be a budget that’s good for children,” she said, adding that the county “probably needed two mills this year.”

It was the final commissioners’ meeting for Loughery and Martin, who are leaving the board in early January.

Marseglia and the two incoming commissioners, Gene DiGirolamo and Robert J. Harvie Jr., will have the option, as a new board, of re-opening the budget in January to make adjustments if they desire. Marseglia has not said whether she will seek to do so.

“This budget (meets) the needs of the county, as Commissioner Marseglia noted, with Children & Youth, and also the Area Agency on Aging and the courts – some of the areas that are experiencing needs and demands from the community for their services,” Loughery said.

As in previous years, the county’s Health Division and Housing and Human Services Division account for almost half of the budget, while departments providing for public safety take up another quarter of the total.

To view the 2019 operating budget, please visit www.BucksCounty.org and click on the “2020 Final Budget” link on the home page.

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Education - Bensalem Township

Lower Bucks Schools to Hold “Remote” and Asynchronous Learning Tuesday

Published

1 week ago

February 23, 2026

Joanne Ames

Lower Bucks County public school districts announced their plans for Tuesday, the day after the blizzard of 26 as public school buildings will remain closed and “remote” or “asynchronous learning” is scheduled for students.

Below is a list of the schools and their website for Tuesday, Feb. 24. All are encouraged to use the links to see the full details of your school district.

Human Interest - Bensalem Township

Parxview Hotel in Bensalem Taking Reservations, Opening Soon, Casino Says

Published

2 weeks ago

February 19, 2026

Jeff Bohen

Parx Casino hopes to continue extending guest stays with the planned opening of the Parxview Hotel in Bensalem later this year, officials said.

Parxview Hotel on Street Road will soon start taking reservations, according to the casino’s website.

Parx Casino, sent out an email invitation several days ago to player card members encouraging them to “be the first to stay” at the hotel.

Parx acquired the Inn at Fox Chase for $13.75 million and announced a total rebrand of the hotel, last year.

“When we reopen as the rebranded Parxview Hotel in 2026, you can expect a brand-new, upscale, and modern hotel experience,” according to the hotels newly launched website.

Credit: Parxview Hotel

The newly branded site spans six floors across 4.75 acres, which includes 167-rooms. Parxview Hotel includes newly renovated spaces highlighted by the 16 added luxury suites that are on the top floor.

Guests will have access to free parking, the Parxview Bistro and bar, and shuttle service connecting the hotel with the nearby Parx casino and racetrack properties, approximately half a mile away, according to Parxview officials.

An official Parxview opening date has yet to be announced as of publication time but it is getting close.