The County of Bucks released its preliminary 2026 operating budget, a $516 million proposal to fund the County government in the new year.
With provisions for all County departments, including row offices and the courts system, the budget as proposed represents a 3.2 percent increase in expenditures over the previous year.
The preliminary budget projects a deficit of $16.4 million at current millage rates.
Driving increases in the proposed budget are requests to make required upgrades and replace public safety equipment and resources, fund critical capital improvements and continue commitments to the library system and Bucks County Community College.
“Bucks County residents deserve stability, fiscal security and a high level of service from their County government,” said Chief Financial Officer Jeannette Weaver. “Over the next few weeks, we will continue working with our many departments and row officers to present a budget that meets those demands.”
Bucks County’s Finance Division developed the proposed 2026 budget amid the widely reported funding impasses in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. The impasses forced the County to bridge revenue lapses from expected state and federal sources, and their impacts will continue to be felt into the new year.
Ongoing inflation and uncertainty from tariffs coupled with impending state and federal budget cuts to critical services – services counties are still mandated to deliver – combine to increase costs of contracts and supplies, applying further strain on the County’s budget.
Over the next several weeks, the Commissioners will analyze the proposed budget and will hold a public hearing at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, during which residents may ask questions and offer comments. The Commissioners are scheduled to consider and vote Dec. 17 on a final 2026 budget.
The County’s operating budget includes funding for departments and agencies serving county residents including the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs, Board of Elections, Children & Youth Social Services Agency, Community Services, Corrections, Emergency Services, General Services, Health Department, Neshaminy Manor, Parks and Recreation and Veterans Affairs, among others.
The County’s budget also provides for the courts and the County’s nine elected row offices, including the Clerk of Courts, Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, Sheriff and Treasurer.
Click here to review the full proposed 2026 budget.
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