ALLENTOWN, PA
Yesterday, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk presented his budget message in Council Chambers, introducing his proposed 2024 budget.
The core focus of this budget is to significantly boost investments in improving city services.
The $229 million budget proposes a 6.9% property tax increase and $120 increase in garbage fees. The budget also requests $10 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds for two public safety capital improvement projects: the Police Department Headquarters and Central Fire Station.
Additionally, the 2024 Earned Income Tax (EIT) is budgeted at 3% higher than 2023 expected revenues. The 2024 Business Privilege Tax (BPT) is budgeted at 5% higher than 2023 expected revenues.
The Mayor and City Council held a series of pre-budget committee meetings starting in August where council members and the administration reviewed their respective budget priorities prior to the development of this proposed 2024 budget.
In keeping with that framework, City Council’s committees have scheduled a series of meetings to review their respective budgets. The tentative schedule is listed below:
Wednesday, October 25
5:30pm HR, Admin, Information Services
6:00pm Parks and Recreation
6:30pm Community and Economic Development
Tuesday, October 31
6:00pm: Budget and Finance
Wednesday, November 1
5:15pm Public Works
5:45pm Public Safety
Saturday, November 4
Saturday Workshop Session
9:00am Budget Amendment Meeting and Adoption of Budgets
Council may set up other meetings at the request of four members of Council or by the Council President.
Council and the Administration must adopt an annual budget no later than December 31.
The proposed budget is available for public review at City Hall, the Allentown Public Library, the Lehigh County Law Library, and online at https://www.allentownpa.gov/Government/City-Budget.