The Balancing Act: Ross Township Contemplates an 8% Property Tax Hike for a Future-Proof 2026

Ah, the perpetual tug-of-war, isn't it? Our local governments, they're always striving to keep things running smoothly, even as the world around them — inflation, rising costs, the sheer need for upkeep — just keeps pushing the boundaries. And for the folks in Ross Township, that delicate balance is now laid bare in the preliminary budget for 2026. What's on the table, you ask? Well, it's a hefty $46.9 million proposal, and it carries with it a bit of a sting: an 8% property tax increase.

Township Manager Bryan Deasey, bless him, presented this fiscal roadmap, and truthfully, it's designed to keep Ross moving forward. But, and this is the kicker, that 8% bump means an average homeowner — someone with a property assessed around $110,000, you know the type — could see their annual tax bill climb by roughly $88. It's not a fortune, perhaps, but it's not nothing either. The township’s millage rate, for those keeping score, would shift from 8.8 to 9.5 mills. It’s a move, certainly, that will get people talking.

So, why the increase? Is it just, you know, because they feel like it? Not at all. There are very real, very pressing reasons at play here. Inflation, for one, isn’t just a buzzword on the evening news; it hits local budgets hard, eroding purchasing power for everything from paper clips to patrol cars. Then there are those relentless operational costs, the kind that creep up year after year. And, crucially, we have contractual obligations — the good people in our police force and public works departments, they deserve fair compensation, and those agreements often come with built-in raises. But, honestly, the lion's share of this proposed increase is tied to capital improvement projects, vital stuff that can’t be put off indefinitely.

We're talking about some serious investments here. Imagine, if you will, a brand-new public works building; it’s projected to cost somewhere in the ballpark of $18 million to $20 million. And let's not forget the police station, which also needs an upgrade. Then there’s the annual road program, a commitment of $3.2 million each year to keep our streets navigable, plus a cool $1 million annually just to replace vehicles as they age out. And, perhaps most critically, there's stormwater management — a big, ongoing challenge that impacts us all, especially when the skies decide to open up. These aren't luxuries; they're the bones of a functioning community.

Where does all the money come from, you might wonder? The earned income tax, actually, stands as the township's single largest revenue stream, expected to rake in a substantial $12.3 million. Property taxes, even with the proposed increase, would bring in around $9.2 million. And yes, the commissioners, they'll be having plenty of discussions about this budget, with public meetings scheduled, I’m sure, for folks to voice their thoughts. Tentative adoption is eyed for late November, with the final rubber stamp typically happening mid-December.

Now, Deasey was quick to point out that Ross, despite these challenges, is in a relatively strong financial position. We're talking an AA+ bond rating and some healthy reserves, which is always good news. And when you stack Ross's millage rate against neighboring municipalities, even with the proposed bump, it tends to remain on the lower side. You could say, then, that this budget, difficult as it may feel, is an attempt to sustain essential services and tackle necessary projects, all while trying to keep the township fiscally responsible. It's a tough tightrope walk, but one they're determined to navigate.