City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting 10/5/26 | City of Reading, PA

The City of Reading Committee of the Whole reviewed the draft 2027 budget on October 5, 2026. The administration proposed no property-tax increase, keeping the rate at 19.217 mills, and projected revenue growth of about $2.8 million. It aims to reduce operating budgets by $1.4 million and remove funding for 15 vacant positions, representing more than $1 million in salary savings plus about $350,000 in related personnel costs. The five-year capital plan includes a $100,000 grant match for a skate-park restroom and lighting project, EMS equipment and an ambulance replacement, required fire and police radio replacements, and public works projects. No contract awards or vendor selections were presented; council will review budget details in upcoming sessions.

Council also reviewed draft ordinances, including a $4.5 million transfer from sewer funds to the general fund under the modified consent decree, street and parking changes connected in part to the proposed Berkshire Business Park development, and pension repayment provisions for returning former police officers. The committee discussed a draft data-center zoning amendment that would allow proposals by conditional use in designated industrial districts, subject to setbacks and environmental, utility, noise, and monitoring provisions. The draft will be revised and sent for county review; no final adoption vote occurred. The meeting identified no procurement awards or bid approvals.