Proposed budget does not raise property tax in Lower Merion

LOWER MERION Homeowners in Lower Merion could enjoy their fourth straight year without a local property tax increase under the 2015 budget proposal released last week.

Lower Merion's property tax rates - 4.19 mills for the township and 25.34 mills for the school district - are roughly average for Montgomery County. School taxes have typically risen about 4 percent a year, but those rates are set in the spring.

The proposed $60.5 million township budget includes a 2.5 percent increase in spending over 2014, despite the elimination of three full-time and three part-time staff positions. The township would use about $2 million from its reserve fund to cover the gap.

Public hearings on the budget proposal are scheduled for 8 p.m. Nov. 19 and 6 p.m. Dec. 3. in the Township Administration Building boardroom, 75 E. Lancaster Ave.

- Jessica Parks