News Flash

On November 11, 2024, the Board of Supervisors were presented the 2025 Proposed Budget, totaling $24.86 million. This budget focuses on enhancing emergency services, maintaining critical infrastructure, and protecting our environment. It includes a mix of General and Special Purpose Funds, along with the introduction of a new Open Space Fund established by a voter-approved referendum, all while maintaining the lowest property tax rate among neighboring municipalities.

Dedicated support for Emergency Services

A key addition to the 2025 budget is the proposed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Tax, set at 0.3 mills. This tax aims to provide dedicated funding for the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps, raising an estimated $470,000 annually.

This year, the Township contributed $122,000 to Uwchlan Ambulance Corps. Next year, we are stepping up our support with $230,000 in operating contributions and another $133,000 for capital needs.  We will also make a one-time contribution of $50,000 to help lower their borrowing costs for a new ambulance.

The Ambulance Corps is facing rising costs, driven by a variety of challenges, such as slower insurance reimbursements, difficulties in getting payments from insurers, cost inflation for supplies and equipment, and increasing personnel expenses. Like many organizations, they’re struggling with staff shortages because fewer people are choosing to work in this field. To keep the staff that they do have and stay competitive with neighboring agencies, they’ve had to raise wages by anywhere from 5% to 25%.

The Ambulance Corps plays a vital role in ensuring the health and safety of residents, and this tax ensures sustainable support for their essential services and will help to combat the challenges they’re facing.  

Ensuring Infrastructure Integrity  

Maintaining reliable infrastructure is essential for our community's well-being, and this includes our aging sewer and hydrant systems.

Our sewer system, served by the Downingtown Area Regional Authority (DARA) Treatment Plant and the Eagleview Wastewater Treatment Plant, is over 50 years old and facing increasing maintenance and operating costs. Recent emergency repairs have further strained the Township’s sewer fund reserves.

To address these challenges, a $20.00 per quarter increase in sewer fees is proposed for 2025, bringing the total per quarter to $125.00. This adjustment will help stabilize funding, and a planned rate study will ensure that future rates are appropriately set to cover system costs. The first payment at the new rate would be due May 1, 2025. This is because services are paid for in arrears.

Similarly, properties with fire hydrant service will see an increase in the hydrant tax, rising from 0.035 mills to 0.055 mills, with gradual increases planned over the next five years. This change addresses the need for a more reliable revenue source, as the Water Fund that has subsidized hydrant costs for decades is depleting.

Protecting and conserving Open Spaces

Following the November voter-approved referendum, a new Open Space Tax will take effect on January 1, 2025. This will increase the Earned Income Tax (EIT) for township residents from 1% to 1.25%. The funds raised will be dedicated to acquiring, protecting, and conserving open spaces, including covering the annual $496,000 debt service for the Rossi property.

This dedicated funding will enable the Township to prioritize opportunities to enhance open space, in line with the 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

What does this mean for you?  

For the average single-family home valued at $580,500, the combined increase in hydrant tax and the introduction of the EMS tax will result in a total payment of $87.78.

This amount is allocated to the following: $16.96 towards the General Fund, $10.97 towards the Hydrant Fund, and $59.85 towards Uwchlan Ambulance. How much you will actually pay depends on your property assessment and if your property is serviced by a fire hydrant.

The Real Estate Taxes in Uwchlan Township remain the lowest in comparison with nearby municipalities. Of the three taxing authorities in our area, the Township real estate tax make up the smallest contribution.

Real Estate Tax bills are mailed out in March each year. If your taxes are escrowed with your mortgage, check with your mortgage company before making any payments – they may be paying this already on your behalf.

Share Your Feedback  

You can find a copy of the proposed Budget documents on our Finance page. A printed copy is also available at our Administration building.

To give feedback, you can:

• email uwchlan@uwchlan.com
• write to   715 N. Ship Road, Exton PA 19341

The proposed Budget will be voted on at the December 9, 2024 Board of Supervisors meeting.