Oct. 7, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski’s proposed 44% property-tax increase for 2027 faces four hearings before County Council, starting Oct. 21.
Zrinski’s plan totals $567 million, a $20 million increase from 2026. To pay for it, she wants a 4.7-mill tax increase, boosting the levy on property to 15.5 mills from 10.8 (43.52%).
When presenting the budget last week, Zrinski said the county has to pay employees more and contribute to its pension fund, among other needs.
The Executive estimated that the average residential property owner would pay a total of $292 more per year, about $24 more monthly. For some, $24 per month isn’t a big deal. Maybe it’s the cost of a pizza. Others will have to cut spending on something else.
I’ve talked with two of the nine members of County Council. Both are looking for cuts. Council can make amendments to the budget but revenue projections are made by the administration and the budget must be balanced. That gives the Executive the stronger position versus Council.
All Council budget meetings will start at 4:30 p.m. in Room 3116 at the Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington St., Easton. The meetings are public and will be broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel.
The meetings will be on Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18. The last meeting will start after the Personnel and Finance committees meet.
Below is an item from the county website:
SPECIAL MEETINGS NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Northampton County Council will be conducting special meetings on October 21, 2026, October 28, 2026, November 4, 2026, and November 18, 2026. All of the meetings will commence at 4:30 p.m. and will be held in the County Council meeting room, room 3116, Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA. The November 18, 2026, meeting will begin following the Personnel and Finance Committee meetings. The purpose of the meetings will be to review the Proposed 2027 Northampton County Budget and Northampton County Capital Improvements Plan, as well as to conduct any other pending business.
My health insurance premium for next year for my wife is going from $960 to $1,320 a month with co pays doubling to $65 and a deductible now at $8,000. The county thinks that their $24 a month increase is no big deal and feel that nothing else is increasing in price. Prices are increasing on everything expect for income. I guess I have to pay for someone elses pension that I never got myself after years of working.
LikeLike
Her extended discussion of the pension was a mistake, as taxpayers, particularly those without them, are resentful.
LikeLike