The resolution authorizes the Bucks County Tax Claim Bureau to file a tax lien against delinquent properties under the Municipal Claims & Tax Liens ACT (MCTL).  This would require the delinquent taxpayer to be responsible for the original taxes plus applicable interest, penalties, the 5% collection fee, and the 1% attorney fee.  

Currently, these costs are deducted from the delinquent tax collection in the form of commission fees, reducing the delinquent tax received by the District.  This resolution will now make the delinquent taxpayer responsible for the fees and the district will receive 100% of the delinquent tax collected from the Tax Claim Bureau.

Overall, the resolution is intended to strengthen the District’s ability to recover delinquent real estate taxes in full and charge collection costs to the delinquent accounts.

This is not mandatory, but if adopted, this will start in January 2027.

Quakertown Community School District did not qualify for an adjusted Act 1 Index. Therefore, the current Act 1 Index for 2027-2028 is 3.6%.

Due to the potential that the Quakertown Community School District may not approve an Act 1 Opt-Out Resolution, the 2027-2028 budget calendar has been shifted to an earlier timeframe. The attached calendar outlines the revised budget schedule.

The budget workshops will take place during the regularly scheduled Finance Committee meetings. The following provides an overview of the topics that will be presented and discussed at each workshop:

November 5, 2026 - Act 1 Exceptions and Preliminary Budget Considerations
Budget discussions will focus on determining the estimated Act 1 exceptions for which the District may qualify and identifying the tax increase to be included in the Preliminary Budget. Any potential exceptions the District may wish to seek must be considered at this time, as they have to be included in the Preliminary Budget.

December 10, 2026 - Budget Workshop #1 - Preliminary Budget Presentation
The presentation will include the proposed 2027-2028 Preliminary Budget, along with details regarding the items and assumptions included in the budget. A comparison of the 2027-2028 budget to the 2026-2027 budget will also be provided, highlighting significant increases and decreases.

January 14, 2027 - Budget Workshop #2 - Multi-Year Requests
Presentations and discussions will focus on multi-year requests from various departments, including Technology, Facilities, Curriculum, and Safety & Security. Please note that multi-year staffing plans will not be included at this time.

February 11, 2027 - Budget Workshop #3 - 2025-2026 Actual vs. Budget
The presentation will review the 2025-2026 actual results compared to the 2025-2026 budget, including an analysis of significant variances.

March 11, 2027 - Budget Workshop #4 - Three-Year Budget Forecast
The presentation will include a three-year budget forecast, providing an overview of projected revenues and expenditures, including multi-year staffing requests and the District's anticipated financial position over the forecast period.

April 8, 2027 - Budget Workshop #5 - Proposed Final Budget Presentation
The presentation will include revised revenue, expenditure, and staffing information. The presentation will also include the 2026-2027 projected year-end results and a variance analysis comparing the projections to the adopted budget.

May 13, 2027 - Final Budget Additions, Changes and Tax Increase
The presentation will include the most updated version of the 2027-2028 budget presentation, incorporating the latest available information and revisions. The workshop will focus on final budget additions and changes, the proposed 2027-2028 real estate tax increase, and the overall budget position. Discussion and review will be necessary to address any remaining changes and determine the final direction of the budget.

June 16, 2027 - Final Budget Presentation for Board Approval
 

Major Steps for the Board

December 3, 2026 - Major Step #1: Act 1 Exceptions & Opt-Out Resolution

• The Board must either adopt the Act 1 Exceptions and Opt-Out Resolution or a resolution authorizing the display and advertisement of the 2027-2028 Proposed Preliminary Budget.

January 28, 2027 - Major Step #2: Preliminary Budget

• Board adoption of the 2027-2028 Preliminary Budget.

January 28, 2027 - Major Step #3: Referendum Exception Resolution

• Board adoption of a resolution authorizing the District to seek approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for a referendum exception.

April 22, 2027 - Major Step #4: Proposed Final Budget

• Board approval of the Proposed Final Budget for 2027-2028.

June 16, 2027 - Major Step #5: Final Budget & Homestead/Farmstead Exclusions

• Board adoption of the Final 2027-2028 Budget.

• Board adoption of the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusions.