Akron Council Reviewed Proposed 2027 Budget

The draft budget includes a $44,490 deficit and a new proposed $52 local services tax for workers.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a heavy municipal brass weight resting on ledger pages, representing local government budget scrutiny. — The Akron Borough Council has introduced a draft 2027 budget featuring a $44,490 deficit and a proposed $52 local services tax. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Akron Borough Council has introduced its first draft of the 2027 general funds budget. The proposal outlines $2.19 million in projected revenue against $2.27 million in planned expenditures, creating a $44,490 deficit.

Why it matters

To address the projected budget gap, officials have recommended a new $52 annual local services tax for employees earning over $12,000. This measure is expected to generate approximately $10,000 in its first year.

The draft budget includes $110,000 for stormwater infrastructure upgrades on Colonial and Edgehill drives. The proposed $52 local services tax would apply to workers earning more than $12,000 annually.

The players

Akron Borough Council

This is the legislative body responsible for governing the borough of Akron and overseeing municipal budget approvals.

Tracy Fisher

Tracy Fisher is a council member who was absent from the budget kick-off meeting on October 5.

The details

Borough officials unveiled the budget during an October 5 meeting, marking the beginning of a process that may involve three or four revisions. The council is still awaiting finalized health insurance and liability payment data to complete the fiscal picture.

October 5, 2026: Council held a kick-off budget meeting.
October 12, 2026: Council holds its next meeting.
December 2026: Deadline for adopting the tax ordinance.
2027: The fiscal year and planned infrastructure upgrades.

Political Context

The introduction of a new municipal levy follows the revenue-raising authority granted to boroughs under the Pennsylvania Local Tax Enabling Act. Opposition to such taxes typically centers on the increased financial burden placed on the local workforce and businesses.

Workers earning more than $12,000 annually will face a new $52 annual tax if the council adopts the proposal by December. Residents near Colonial and Edgehill drives should prepare for infrastructure construction projects scheduled throughout 2027.

The takeaway

Council members are expected to hold several more revisions before the budget is finalized later this year. Residents should monitor upcoming meetings to see how insurance and liability cost adjustments impact the final deficit figure.